Bundestag election 2025: The transport policy of the SPD, Greens and Left Party

Contents

On the occasion of the Bundestag elections on February 23, 2025, we took a look at the election manifestos of the parties that have a theoretical chance of becoming members of the new Bundestag. In this second part, we look at the transport policy plans of the SPD, the Greens and the Left Party. They are trying to reconcile climate protection, electromobility and the social turnaround in transportation. In some cases, however, there are clear differences in prioritization. Even when it comes to the question of how the sometimes good ideas are to be paid for, differences can be identified.

SPD: promote e-mobility, renovate the railroads

The SPD is focusing on ramping up electromobility and expanding the rail network. It wants to make it attractive for as many combustion engine drivers as possible to switch to an electric car when they next buy or lease a car. This is to be achieved through tax deductions. The SPD is not more specific here. However, the expansion of the charging infrastructure is described in more detail. The aim is to have fast-charging points at every supermarket and petrol station. The SPD also wants a standardized payment system at all charging stations in Germany. Prices should no longer be unfairly distorted, and e-cars should also be allowed to be used as electricity storage devices. The SPD is fundamentally committed to the EU fleet limits, but does not currently want any penalties.

Like the CDU/CSU and FDP, the Social Democrats have recognized the problem of expensive driver's license training. The SPD wants to make training more efficient. The wording is similar to that of the CDU/CSU. However, the SPD also has concrete ideas of its own. For example, it wants to give companies a tax-free subsidy of up to 2000 euros for driving licenses. Every 17-year-old should also receive a one-off state payment of 500 euros, which is intended for transportation expenses. This could be invested in a bicycle or a driving license, for example.

The SPD's priority is to expand the rail network. It plans to improve the rail network through digitalization, electrification, and noise protection and to expand it through expansion and new construction in line with the German and European Act. It also wants to maintain Deutsche Bahn as an integrated group under public ownership and further develop the new infrastructure division DB InfraGO. The general refurbishment of the most important railroad lines is also planned. The Deutschland-Ticket is to be retained. Reliability is a priority: the SPD wants to establish the Deutschland-Ticket on a permanent basis. The low price and ease of use are the ticket's recipe for success – the price should remain at the current level. “To this end, we will finance the ticket adequately together with the federal states.”

In addition, the SPD wants to campaign for a nationwide discounted Deutschland Ticket at a reduced price for certain social groups such as senior citizens, families with children, trainees, students, schoolchildren, and people with disabilities. The expansion of local public transport is also set as a goal. However, the SPD remains more vague here than the Greens, for example. The SPD wants to introduce a speed limit of 130 km/h on freeways. There is nothing in the election manifesto about tightening the speed limit on rural roads or in the city.

The Greens: company car privilege only for e-cars

When it comes to car traffic, the Greens are fully committed to electromobility. To this end, they want to “specifically strengthen” the expansion of charging stations. In particular, electricity prices at public charging points are to be reduced through the application of EU law, consumer protection and more competition. People on low and medium incomes are to be made easier to switch to low-consumption electric cars. To this end, targeted tax benefits are to be implemented and a so-called social leasing program set up. A company car privilege should only apply to electric vehicles in the future. In principle, the Greens would like to maintain the CO₂ fleet targets, but suspend the fines for car manufacturers, which they are currently not achieving. They want to avoid placing an additional burden on struggling car manufacturers. The Greens advocate a speed limit of 130 km/h on the highway. The options of limiting the speed limit to 80 km/h on rural roads and 30 km/h in urban areas should be significantly extended.

A clear focus is to be placed on expanding the rail network. The road infrastructure is only to be maintained, not expanded. The Deutschland-Ticket is to be offered again in future for 49 euros. There are to be additional subsidies for young and poorer people. The aim is to double the number of public transport passengers by 2040. Every village is to be connected every hour between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The proportion of goods transported by rail is to be increased to 30 percent in ten years, and night train connections and combined road-rail transport are to be significantly expanded. The Greens are planning to set up a Germany fund to finance investment in rail and local public transport. It is about a massive expansion of the railroads. All existing lines are to be electrified and a German cycle time introduced. In particular, the accessibility of stops should become the standard. The Greens would like to see a nationwide network of high-speed cycle paths for bicycle traffic. The Greens are declaring war on short-haul air traffic and private jets. Airports should no longer be expanded. Night flight bans and noise protection measures at airports are to be expanded. The introduction of a limit value for ultra-fine particulate matter is planned.

The Left: Free public transport

The Left Party is focusing entirely on public transport and rail as part of the traffic turnaround. It is the only party to advocate free public transport in the long term. However, the 9-euro ticket should be reintroduced immediately. Pupils, trainees, students and senior citizens should immediately receive a zero-euro ticket. Subscribers to the 9-euro ticket should also receive five free long-distance journeys per year. The privatized local transport companies should be returned to public ownership, as should the railroads. The Left Party rejects the splitting up of the infrastructure and transportation sectors of the railroads.

The most important measure is the expansion of the rail network. Similar to the Greens, the Left Party would like to set up an infrastructure fund for this purpose. Special attention is also paid to better pay and more attractive working conditions for train drivers and railroad staff. Roads are not a priority for the Left Party. Truck traffic is also to be restricted in favor of rail and waterways. By 2030, the proportion of freight transport by rail should be 25 percent. The Left wants to ban flights of less than 500 km. The same applies to private yachts over 60 m hull length and private aircraft. The Left Party is even more consistent here than the Greens.

The company car privilege is to be completely abolished. Where necessary, the Left Party wants to promote the switch to efficient electric cars for trades people, social services, cab firms, small businesses and people on low incomes in rural areas. The EU legislation on the de facto phase-out of combustion engines and the fleet limits, including penalties, should be maintained. The Left Party wants to introduce a speed limit of 120 km/h on freeways and 30 km/h in urban areas. A speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas should only apply on certain main roads. The Left Party says nothing about the further expansion of the charging infrastructure.

(chlo)