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Verkehrsentwicklung: Traffic on roads and rails is set to rise further by 2040

German Transport Ministry presents new transport forecast

According to the new transport forecast, traffic on German roads and rails will continue to increase by 2040. Freight transport is expected to grow particularly strongly. The Federal Ministry of Transport presented the key findings of the transport prognosis 2040 on Wednesday in Berlin.

Further increase in passenger transport

According to the forecast, passenger transport will increase by around 12 percent by 2040. Rail transport is expected to grow more strongly than road transport. This is mainly due to the fact that more and more people are switching from cars to trains, especially for longer distances.

Significant increase in freight transport

Freight transport is expected to increase by a significant 20 percent by 2040. This is due, among other things, to the growing volume of goods being shipped. Road transport will continue to account for the majority of freight transport, but rail freight transport will also grow.

Increased traffic on the roads

The increase in traffic will also lead to increased traffic on the roads. It is forecast that the number of kilometres driven on motorways will increase by around 10 percent by 2040. The number of kilometres driven on rural roads is also expected to increase, but to a lesser extent.

Measures to reduce traffic emissions

The Federal Ministry of Transport wants to reduce the negative effects of the increase in traffic on the environment and climate. Among other things, the ministry is planning to promote the use of alternative fuels and to expand public transport.

Tolls for foreign freight traffic

The Federal Ministry of Transport also plans to introduce tolls for foreign freight traffic. This is intended to reduce the number of trucks on German roads and to shift freight transport to rail. The toll is expected to be introduced in 2023.

The transport prognosis 2040 provides important information for the planning and development of transport infrastructure in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Transport will use the forecast as a basis for its future transport policy.