"We connect generations" Grant notification handed over to Jena's local public transport system

State Secretary Prof. Dr. Barbara Schönig from the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture today presented Jena's local transport system with a funding decision amounting to 31.4 million euros. The state government stands by its commitment to support the city of Jena in improving its transport infrastructure and procuring new tram vehicles. I am delighted that we have succeeded in funding this important infrastructure project via the Municipal Transport Financing Act. This will enable us to take climate protection goals, the traffic turnaround and quality of life in Jena a big step forward," said Prof. Schönig at the handover.  
The funding will be used for a long-awaited infrastructure project in Jena: the construction and expansion of the tram link to the Himmelreich residential area. This will ensure an efficient and sustainable connection between the north and local public transport, which will benefit both the people of Jena and the environment.   
Another project is the complete barrier-free expansion of the streetcar stops along the future Line 1. The aim is for all passengers to be able to use the streetcars without assistance. This helps to improve the mobility of people with limited freedom of movement and represents an important step towards an inclusive society.   
In addition, the funding will be used for further infrastructure measures in the north of the city, which will support the city of Jena on its journey within the transport transition.
  
„I am delighted that after two decades of planning and discussion about the northern extension of the Jena tramway, we can now move on to the actual implementation with secured funding. For almost two years, we at Jenaer Nahverkehr and the Department of Urban Development, together with the Free State of Thuringia, have been campaigning for inclusion in the federal government's local transport funding program and can now finally accept the funding decision for the northern extension of Line 1. This is a great success from the point of view of local transport and urban development and, in times of a difficult federal budget situation, a positive sign that important projects can continue to be implemented. The connection of Himmelreich, the Am Oelste residential area and the other new residential areas in the north of Jena to our tram network is a matter close to my heart and will enable more citizens to switch from private transport to climate-friendly local transport," said Mayor Christian Gerlitz, who is also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Jena's local transport system.   
The managing directors of Jenaer Nahverkehr, Andreas Möller and Steffen Gundermann, are also delighted with the funding commitment: "The realization of the planned infrastructure measures will significantly improve the quality of life for people in Jena and contribute to attractive transport connections. We would like to thank the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture for its support and trust.“ 
 
Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche thanks all those involved: "In order for Jena to continue to develop so well as a beacon of the East, we need a transport infrastructure that makes this growth possible. I would like to express my thanks to all those involved for having persistently pursued the northern extension of the tram line. In particular, I would like to thank Mayor Gerlitz and his team for continuing to drive forward the expansion of all modes of transport in Jena with new cycle paths as well as the Osttangente and Wiesenstraße.

Picture: Prof. Barbara Schönig, State Secretary, Thüringer Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landwirtschaft hands over with a symolic check 31,4 Mio. Euro federal funding for the extension of the entire tram infrastructure to „Jenaer Himmelreich“. Mayor and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Jenaer Nahverkehrs, Christian Gerlitz (from right), accepted the cheque together with the Managing Directors of Jenaer Nahverkehrs, Andreas Möller and Steffen Gundermann