More than 200 citizens took the opportunity to find out more about the forward-looking mobility project, ask questions and contribute their ideas at Depot Aachen on December 2. With the start of preliminary planning for the Regiotram Aachen in summer 2025, now was the right time to inform citizens about the project at an information market.

After the opening by Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons, City Councillor Dr. Tim Grüttemeier and Hans-Peter Geulen, Managing Director of the Aachener Verkehrsverbund (AVV), an expert dialog offered exciting insights into the current status of the planning. At numerous information stands and interactive stations, interested parties were also able to find out about the latest developments and the next planning steps for the Regiotram and express their opinions, for example by using cards on a floor tarpaulin or by voting.

The info market was another important milestone for the project. The evening was characterized by many exciting discussions, open exchange and valuable impulses. At the end, experts answered questions from the audience and commented on the results of a real-time online survey of the guests. Conclusion: people want to have their say and for many, the Regiotram could make everyday life noticeably easier.

As the project progresses, further opportunities for participation will be created in the future - for example, planning workshops where the population can play an active role in shaping the project.

Background:
The Regiotram is to connect Aachen, Würselen, Alsdorf and Baesweiler in future - cleanly, quietly and reliably. A real opportunity to reduce congestion, noise and bad air quality in the region - with 70,000 commuter journeys taking place on the corridor every day. The federal and state governments are supporting the planning with around 5.5 million euros.

The Regiotram Aachen is a mobility project designed to sustainably connect the region and strengthen local public transport. The aim is to create an environmentally friendly, comfortable and efficient alternative to private transport.

Quotes
Dr. Michael Ziemons, Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen: "Every day, tens of thousands of people use the route that the Regiotram is to travel in future. There is no other means of transport that can transport so many people safely and reliably, and in future even more. That is why it is important that we develop an innovative regional rail system with the Regiotram."

Dr. Tim Grüttemeier, city councillor: "Communication in particular is incredibly important if we want to realize this major project here in the region. That is why we will of course continue to take people with us on the journey we are taking with the Regiotram. The information market was a very important step and many more will follow in the coming year!"

Hans-Peter Geulen, Managing Director of AVV: "People in the region want to get actively involved, and formats such as the info market are an ideal opportunity to do so. The evening was not only informative, but also created further transparency for this pioneering project and successfully continued the joint planning of the Regiotram."

Heike Ohlmann, Technical Councillor for the City of Würselen: "I really enjoyed the fact that so many interested people were there, asked lots of questions and also made suggestions. This also brought up topics that people may not have dealt with before. That was very inspiring."

Andreas Dziatzko, Technical Councillor for the City of Alsdorf: "The Regiotram has been largely well received by the population. People see the cost-benefit factor in favor of the benefits. In Alsdorf, the planning and technical solution of the trough location on Bahnhofstrasse is a particular issue among the people. We now really need to enter into a discussion with our urban community. I'll take that with me."

Iris Tomczak-Pestel, Technical Councillor for the town of Baesweiler: "What I took away from the event is that the people in the northern district are very interested in the development of the streetcar. It is worth fighting for this network within the region and for Baesweiler in particular, it is a great opportunity for further urban development and the connection to neighboring municipalities."

Further information: www.regiotram-aachen.de

Source: AVV