At a recent press conference, they analysed the current situation. While they welcome the massive investments into public transport, they say individual transport has been prioritised for too long, so that it is now hard to catch up.
The ambitious mobility plan 2035 presented by François Bausch in April has a number of positive aspects, but like in the past, it is taking too long to implement these measures, says Roland Schreiner, president of the “Aktioun ëffentlechen Transport” (Action [for] public transport).
“What we need is a further jump in quality for public transport, in terms of attractivity, organisation, quality and infrastructure. We need a coherent transport strategy with rail as the backbone, which offers answers to mobility challenges on the regional, national and cross-border level.”
The association has a number of demands and critiques on which they regularly communicate with the ministry.
They would like to see the Bissen-Ettelbruck train line reactivated, cannot understand why a cycle path will be built on part of the northern line between Clervaux and Troisvierges, but welcome that the lines Ettelbruck-Diekirch and Noertzange-Rumelange are no longer in danger, and that Kayl will get a train stop near a new housing development. Generally, however, they bemoan a lack of promotion for bus, train and tram. Vice president Alphonse Classen:
“We note that many municipalities could do much more in terms of promotion. When you see that some of them don’t even manage to put up the posters they are obligated to, then you have to wonder if they are promoting public transport in their resident communication.”
The association also notes that bus businesses have trouble finding bus drivers from Luxembourg or even the greater region. Some are recruiting from as far away as the Paris region.
CFL, TICE and AVL have no such staffing issues. “Aktioun ëffentlechen Transport” sees a clear link to working conditions, which are not always the best at private businesses.
