Major Transportation Issues Unveiled: Minister Highlights Key Traffic Frustrations Across the Nation Due to Buses, Boats, and Building Regulations.

Brandenburg's Minister for Traffic and Infrastructure, Detlef Tabbert, is leading a comprehensive initiative to modernise the state's infrastructure. Here's a rundown of the key projects and policies underway.

One of the central focuses is on transportation. The state aims to align its shipping regulations with those of neighbouring states, eliminating inconsistencies and facilitating smooth navigation on its approximately 570 kilometers of navigable state waters. This includes a push to lift night driving bans and increase speed limits, mirroring the regulations on federal waterways.

In terms of railways, the state is working to complete the long-awaited line to Stettin, which has faced delays due to reprioritization. The railway line to Mecklenburg is another project on the horizon, with both states expressing a mutual desire to continue the project. Minister Tabbert has also highlighted the importance of the Ostbahn as a major construction project, but has criticised the delays in its inclusion in the federal urgent needs, deeming 2030 as too late.

To improve public transportation in rural areas, the state is focusing on making living in the periphery more attractive. This includes efforts to simplify building regulations to reduce construction prices and make the building process easier and faster. Additionally, the state is working on unifying water and shipping regulations on state waters, similar to federal waterways.

Housing is another critical area of focus. The state is addressing housing issues, particularly by increasing the supply of rental apartments. To this end, the social housing subsidy has been raised to a record level, providing 250 million euros for the current and next year.

Minister Tabbert has not publicly outlined a specific financing plan for the application process to expand the Berlin to Szczecin railway line. However, he has criticised Infra Go's performance regarding this project, indicating challenges with personnel. He has also expressed concern over the lack of testing and acceptance capacities, adequately trained engineering personnel in Germany, compared to Poland.

The minister has been vocal about the need for additional freight rail capacities, specifically mentioning the Ostbahn as an optimal solution for this. He has also addressed ongoing issues with replacement traffic to Hamburg, including bus drivers without route knowledge and empty buses.

In a recent meeting with Wittenberg's mayor, Minister Tabbert discussed the traffic issues and expected Ecovista to fulfill their contract. He has also spoken about the importance of including the Ostbahn as a major construction project in the urgent needs, as the bridge structures over the Oder are finished and the route could be operated with two tracks and electrified if ready on the German side.

In summary, Brandenburg's infrastructure agenda is a multi-faceted approach aimed at modernising transportation, addressing housing issues, and simplifying building regulations to make the state more attractive for residents and businesses alike.