Light rail expansion Mainz 2030
Introduction
The tram system in Mainz, with a passenger share of around 40%, is a significant element of public transport. In 2016, the Mainzelbahn to Lerchenberg was put into operation, achieving impressive passenger gains. Since then, overall ridership growth on the tram lines has exceeded general trends.
Strategic decisions regarding investments in transport infrastructure and the operation of transport facilities are often associated with high financial expenditures. We provide operational and economic performance indicators along with traffic-related and macroeconomic effects, such as achievable modal shifts and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.
Project Description
The tram is city-friendly, locally emission-free, CO2-neutral, has a significantly higher capacity than buses, and is perceived as more attractive by many passengers. These inherent advantages explain the success of the tram network in Mainz. Against this background, the City Council of Mainz commissioned Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH to further develop the tram network in Mainz.
Project Details
Task
With the resolution of June 2020, the Mainz City Council, by a large majority, supported the expansion of the tram network.
The study is divided into three subprojects:
- Connection link from Alicenplatz to Münsterplatz via Binger Straße
- Expansion of an inner-city ring via the Höfchen stop, including access to Mainz Neustadt
- Connection of the new development area “Heiligkreuz-Viertel” as well as parts of Oberstadt and Weisenau
In Binger Straße, a new tram line will be constructed between Alicenplatz and Münsterplatz – it will significantly relieve Mainz Central Station as a public transport hub.
The planned inner-city ring will in the future also serve people who currently have no tram access and will establish new connections between city districts.
Approach
The central component of the work is a comprehensive examination of variants, both infrastructural as well as operational and traffic-related. The technical planning of variants and potential operational concepts for the tram and the to-be-adjusted bus services are developed in coordination with the client. Proposals from the consultant are discussed and further developed with the client. In addition, a “comprehensive public participation” process is planned.
The planning depth corresponds to the level of detail required for a Standardized Evaluation. The evaluation is carried out according to the new 2016+ procedure version. The calculated benefit-cost ratios illustrate the overall economic benefit of the variants, which is decisive for the eligibility and financing of infrastructure investments. For the evaluation of the variants, additional criteria are relevant from the perspective of the client and the transport operator, which are determined and prepared quantitatively or qualitatively. These include, for example:
- Traffic effects / modal shift impacts
- Environmental impact, contribution to climate protection
- Urban development / city planning aspects
- Connections with higher-level public transport networks (SPNV)
- Effects on network capacity
- Feasibility and implementation barriers
- Land and space requirements and land availability
- Economic impacts / subsidy requirements
The extensive public participation process, as a key component of variant development, is co-designed by us. Following the variant development, a Standardized Evaluation is conducted in coordination with federal and state authorities.
Outlook
Mainz will invest in the next decade in three subprojects that will significantly improve tram traffic in the city center and provide a climate-friendly connection to the Heiligkreuz district. The expansion of the Mainz tram network makes the abstract concept of a transport transition tangible locally. Public transport in Mainz will become even more attractive, encouraging more residents to switch to climate-friendly mobility.