A triple win for Germany: How public transport is becoming a real economic driver
Public transportation is much more than a means to an end - it is a powerful driver of prosperity, climate protection and quality of life. A new Study from MCube ConsultingThe study, which was commissioned by the DB initiative "Zukunft Nahverkehr" (ZNV), the consulting arm of the Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility (MCube), shows: Every euro invested in buses, trains and streetcars returns three times as much to the German economy.
25 billion euros in costs - 75 billion euros in benefits
The annual operating costs of public transport in Germany amount to around 25 billion euros. However, this is offset by an economic added value of around 75 billion euros per year. This impressive balance sheet shows: Investments in public transport pay off in many ways - for employment, growth, the environment and quality of life.
Public transport moves more than people
Whether vehicle construction, maintenance or cleaning - many companies benefit directly from the public transport sector. But retail, tourism and the job market also benefit: People who use buses and trains can reach workplaces, city centers and recreational areas more easily. Companies expand their catchment area for skilled workers, cities become more liveable and regions more attractive.
Billions in relief for the environment and society
The Study also shows that public transport helps to avoid so-called external costs - i.e. social expenditure for traffic accidents, noise, air pollution, land consumption or CO₂ emissions. If the current transport performance of public transport were to be shifted to motorized private transport, society would incur additional costs of around nine billion euros per year.
Scientifically sound, independent and interdisciplinary development
The study was conducted by Dr. Daniel Schröder, Lea Merk, Linus Müller and Adriana Barandiarán (MCube Consulting) and Oliver May-Beckmann (MCube office) in close cooperation with an interdisciplinary team of experts from the Technical University of Munich (TUM):
The analysis is based on an independent, scientifically sound model and is the first systematic calculation of the overall economic benefits of public transport - including direct and indirect effects. The study was commissioned by the DB initiative "Zukunft Nahverkehr".
Conclusion: Public transport is a key locational advantage
Investing in local transport means investing in the future of the country. The study makes this clear: Public transport is not a cost factor, but a strategic investment in a competitive, sustainable and social economy. Efficient local transportation strengthens jobs, companies and the environment - and is therefore a cornerstone of Germany's economic future.
Mobility is at the heart of Germany's economic and innovative strength, the key to climate neutrality and the core of everyday life.
Major award for a strong team: MCube Consulting receives the Innovation Award of the City of Munich - for a solution that reduces administrative workload, improves security and shows how research enables real change.
If Munich bids for the Olympics again, it will not do so arbitrarily - but with vision, attitude and a clear plan.
MCube had its own stand at the trade fair and brought together over 100 mobility pioneers at the "Bridging City Innovation Ecosystems" event above the rooftops of Barcelona.
What does the bus of tomorrow need to look like to convince as many people as possible to change buses voluntarily?
Our experts gave keynote speeches on why we need fair, inclusive mobility that is suitable for everyday use for everyone.
The city council of Landsberg am Lech has unanimously approved the new traffic development plan (VEP).
Innovation pioneers meet in Jülich to share transfer strategies, forge alliances and shape the future.
Why we should learn to celebrate construction sites - and finally shape mobility based on facts and together.
With over 130 new employees, Germany's future cluster MCube at Munich Urban Colab entered the next project phase on April 9, 2025 - and at full speed.
What is MOSAIQ?
Imagine something: There is more space for people. The streets have more trees and plants. Everyone can get around better. That's how your Schwabing-West district could be in the future. How would you like your district to be? We want to talk to you about it!
The project is called MOSAIQ. MOSAIQ is a research∙project. MOSAIQ means: Mobility and urban climate in the future city∙part. The Technical University of Munich is leading the project.
What is MOSAIQ about?
MOSAIQ wants to make the streets in the city∙part more beautiful. People should feel comfortable there. There should be more space. For meetings and plants, for example. You can help decide what is tried out in the Stadt∙teil. The ideas come from you. Some ideas will be tried out on the streets for a certain period of time.
The aim of MOSAIQ is to make urban districts good places to live.
At the same time, the climate in the city should improve. And people should be able to move around the city easily.
What is happening in the district?
