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Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - The Ministry of Transport is currently exploring the possibility of a second rescue package for local transport.

"We must do everything we can to stabilize local public transport for passengers in the difficult time of the pandemic as a reliable, environmentally and climate-friendly form of mobility," said Transport Minister Winfred Hermann (Greens) on Saturday during talks between representatives of the ministry, the municipalities and the transport companies.

It is also about a compensation for the parents' contributions to unused student subscriptions.

A second rescue package must be a joint task of the federal, state and local authorities, emphasized Hermann.

The transport ministers of the federal states have already asked the federal government to provide further funds.

It also depends on the municipal side whether a viable package can be put together for all parties involved.

The transport companies had recently sounded the alarm.

In view of the forecast revenue shortfalls like 2020, a financial injection was urgently needed, the regional association of German transport companies had demanded.

In the past year, the corona-related strong reduction in the number of passengers had cost 350 million euros.

From the first rescue package, which comprised 450 million euros in federal and state funds, 65 million euros were carried over to the current year.

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As part of the first aid package, student tickets were also reimbursed in 2020.

Education Minister Susanne Eisenmann (CDU) had also insisted on relieving parents of student subscriptions.

Hermann also underlined the role of local transport in the fight against climate change.

"We need a climate-friendly local transport offer for the necessary traffic turnaround."

This is another reason why local transport must be supported financially.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210130-99-233558 / 2

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