After having seen one of his key policies come into effect, the Minister for Mobility is by no means ready to stop with expansion. By the end of 2023, the tram will continue its journey to the new football stadium in the Cloche d'Or area. But this is not the end point according to François Bausch.
Bausch highlighted the need not to make the same mistakes as previous generations, who failed to adapt Luxembourg's infrastructure to the country's growth. Currently, the ministry is examining plans to build a new tram route from Kirchberg towards the hospital on Route d'Arlon. This would be a potential byway to an extension towards Cessange.
But the minister does not plan to stop there. From Cessange, the government could expand the tram towards Esch-sur-Alzette and Foetz. Bausch has placed a lot of importance on connecting the southern metropolis of Esch-sur-Alzette with the capital.
As for why this is important, the minister explained that the government has noticed the development of industrial wasteland will create an enormous amount of jobs. The goal will be to provide connections between the workplace in Luxembourg City and the south.
If all goes to plan, this line could be operational to Foetz by 2028. Another idea would be to extend the line to Munsbach. However, such a rapid expansion would lead to its own challenges.
As Luxtram director general André von der Marck put it, Luxtram's current challenge is to properly coordinate this ramping up of the tram. The firm must balance constructing new infrastructure alongside construction new and up-to-date trains. This is accompanied by a need to hire new personnel and train new drivers. In 2020, around 40 drivers will be trained ahead of the extension towards the railway station.
Free public transport series - part one: How did Luxembourg get to the point of making public transport free?
Free public transport series - part two: 45 million public transport passengers per year, and climbing
Free public transport series - part three: Luxexpo to Central station in 23 minutes
Free public transport series - part four: Railway syndicate remains sceptical on free public transport
Free public transport series - part five: Public transport initiative attracts interest from abroad
