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Germany Moves to Revive Urban Maglev by Making Projects Eligible for Federal Transit Funds

The transport ministry seeks to open the GVFG to make innovative local systems eligible for substantial federal subsidies.

Overview

  • Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is promoting modern maglev for local public transport rather than reviving the high-speed Transrapid.
  • A 2021 feasibility study commissioned under Andreas Scheuer found the technology to be a available and competitive alternative to conventional guided systems.
  • The planned change to include maglev in the GVFG is still under internal government coordination, and no specific projects have been announced.
  • Officials argue elevated guideways could be delivered faster than ground-based rail and offer advantages in challenging topography.
  • Under the GVFG, eligible projects can receive up to roughly 90% federal co‑funding, with about €2 billion available this year.