The idea is impressive, and one wonders why the plans for an extension of tram line 17 from Frankfurt to the neighboring municipalities have not been implemented long ago. But better late than never. And at least the potential study now available gives hope that the multi-million dollar project - if there is no massive complaint against it - could at best be realized by 2030. In addition, an environmentally friendly local transport project in times of increasingly visible climate change can be expected to receive high levels of funding from the federal and state governments.
Anyone who has to be on Frankfurter Straße in rush hour traffic, especially now that the train drivers are on strike, would probably want an attractive tram line to get to the center of Frankfurt in about 15 minutes from Dreieich or Neu-Isenburg.
Find the right breakpoints
It is also gratifying that the long hesitant Langeners decided at the last minute to jump on the approaching train.
After all, the city with around 40,000 inhabitants is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Offenbach district.
While the newly formed four-party alliance, which has set up to get commuter traffic off the road, is apparently not afraid of the investment costs, the mayors are worried about something else.
So far it is completely unclear how the operating costs for the new line 17 will later be divided between the municipalities involved; and what role the Rhein-Main transport association responsible for regional local transport could possibly play. First of all, however, the task now is to work out an optimal route to bring the tram to the centers. On the other hand, finding suitable regional stops, mostly on the outskirts, in order to be equally attractive for cyclists and motorists, train and suburban train users in the future.
There is no question that trams have a good image. However, when it comes to actually laying the tracks on a street, resistance often arises: Because parking spaces and loading zones may then have to disappear or lanes have to become narrower. On their way from Frankfurt to Langen, the tram supporters will surely have to overcome a number of hurdles in the next few years. But you shouldn't let this dissuade you from your goal.