CDU Sankt Augustin warns: Stadtbahn changes endanger traffic flow!

CDU Sankt Augustin warns: Stadtbahn changes endanger traffic flow!

The upcoming changes to the light rail line 66 in Sankt Augustin, which are planned by the Rhein-Sieg district and the city of Bonn, encounter considerable criticism from the CDU parliamentary group. In a position paper entitled "Tact Densification? So not", the Christian Democrats say concerns about the new plans that provide for the previous line 66 to rename into line 67. This should then drive from Siegburg via Sankt Augustin to Bonn Central Station and Bad Godesberg.

A main goal of this new light rail concept is to connect the South of the Left Rhine South with a transfer-free connection to the ICE train station Siegburg/Bonn. To achieve this, a "smooth" clock compression between Bad Godesberg and Siegburg is planned for the main traffic times. However, this measure ensures concerns on the part of the CDU, which fears that more frequent rail connections will be significantly impaired vehicle traffic by fitting level crossings.

criticism of the CDU parliamentary group

The CDU parliamentary group sees the planned clock compression from ten to five minutes as a potential cause of increased barrier closures, especially in urban areas such as the city center and Mülldorf. In their view, this could severely restrict individual traffic. The proposal of the Bonn Stadtwerke (SWB) to limit the tact compression to five hours a day is not enough.

The faction therefore calls for comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth traffic flow, including infrastructural improvements such as underpasses or a lower trough at the intersection Südstraße. It is emphasized that the costs for these measures should not be at the expense of the city of Sankt Augustin. In addition, the CDU rejects the cancellation of the direct connection to Bad Honnef and Königswinter, as this would represent a significant deterioration in the offer for Sankt Augustin.

delays in clock compression

In addition to the concerns of the CDU, there are also problems with the planned clock compression on line 66, which is expected to take longer than originally assumed. The new trams, which were commissioned by the Bonn municipal utilities, are not to be used until the end of 2026 and are equipped with air conditioning systems. The mobility committee has already discussed the need for frequent trips at peak times to avoid overcrowded paths.

Chairman Thomas Pätzold expresses concerns about the delay and its effects on the mobility transition, which urgently needs to be promoted in the region. The need for better public transport connections can also be seen in the growing passenger numbers in public transport, which have increased significantly since 2022 despite the corona pandemic. The public transport makes a significant contribution to the reduction in car traffic and CO2 emissions, and the continuing discussions about the tact densification testify to the importance of a modern and attractive public transport network.

Overall, it can be seen that the upcoming changes to the light rail line 66 not only bring technical challenges, but also to initiate an intensive political debate about future mobility in Sankt Augustin and the surrounding region.