Linke on transport

The Left wants to cap the Deutschlandticket (nationwide transit pass) at no more than 49 euros and make buses and trains free for people under 21. Transit is to be funded in part by a levy on businesses with 50 or more employees.

The Left wants cheaper buses and trains. The nationwide transit pass should cost no more than 49 euros. People under 21 should ride for free. Larger businesses should pay a fee for this.

The reduced 29-euro pass is to be open to students as well as trainees and seniors; at the federal level the party wants to push for a 9-euro pass. A 10-euro monthly pass is planned for taking bicycles on trains in the state. Medium-sized and large businesses with 50 or more employees are to pay a local transit levy. The mobility initiative is to continue, fares are to be simplified and passenger information made reliable. From the federal government, the platform demands more regional transit funding, lower track access charges and secure long-distance connections.

The Left wants to bring disused rail lines back into service and expand the rail network. The platform argues that a rail connection strengthens rural regions as places to live and do business and slows out-migration.

The Left wants to reopen old rail lines. New lines should be built too. This should help villages and small towns. Then fewer people will move away.

Planning work for the Mecklenburgische Südbahn is to be put out to tender quickly. Plans for the Kaiserbahn and the links from Neubrandenburg to Friedland and from Greifswald to Lubmin are to be firmed up. The Darßbahn is to be built, starting between Barth and Bresewitz. The party wants to press the federal government for the southern rail link to Usedom and a second track on the state's main corridor. Platforms are to be lengthened where longer trains require it.

The Left wants to expand, modernize and improve the safety of the bike path network for everyday use and tourism. Cycling and walking are to be given more weight relative to cars.

The Left wants more and better bike paths across the state. Cycling should become safer. People who bike or walk should matter more. So far, cars often come first.

Existing bike paths are to be maintained, renewed and added to across the state. Bike parking and charging stations for e-bikes are planned at transport hubs. The ERA recommendations for cycling facilities are to become mandatory when building bike streets and bike paths. Associations of bike-friendly municipalities are to be supported. In addition, the platform wants to build bypasses that are already firmly planned and keep waterways and locks in working order.