"We connect generations"

State Secretary Prof. Dr. Barbara Schönig from the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture today presentedJena's local public transport system with a grant of 31.4 million euros. "The state government is standing by its commitment to support the city of Jena in improving its transport infrastructure and procuring new streetcar vehicles. I am delighted that we have succeeded in obtaining funding for this important infrastructure project via the Municipal Transport Financing Act. This will enable us to take a major step forward in achieving climate protection goals, the transport transition and quality of life in Jena," said Prof. Schönig at the handover.

The funding will be used for a long-awaited infrastructure project in Jena: the new construction and expansion of the streetcar 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 will help to improve the mobility of people with restricted mobility 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 beyond measure that, after two decades of planning and discussion on the northern extension of the Jena streetcar, we can now move on to the actual implementation with secured funding. For almost two years, we in Jena's local transport department and the Department of Urban Development worked together with the Free State of Thuringia to campaign 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 far north of Jena to our streetcar 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 Jenaer Nahverkehr.

Andreas Möller and Steffen Gundermann, Managing Directors of Jenaer Nahverkehr, 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. "

Lord 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 also makes this growth possible. I would like to thank everyone involved for their persistence in pursuing the northern extension of the streetcar.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."

Prof. Barbara Schönig, Staatssekretärin, Thüringer Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landwirtschaft übergibt mit einem symbolischen Scheck die 31,4 Mio. Euro Bundesmittel für die Verlängerung der gesamten Straßenbahninfrastruktur ins „Jenaer Himmelreich“.

© Stadtwerke Jena / Anja Tautenhahn