Erfurt (dpa/th) - Thuringia wants to keep local public transport running during the energy crisis with special aid worth 25 million euros. The Ministry of Infrastructure announced on Thursday in Erfurt that state aid had been launched for companies affected by the energy crisis in local public transport. It is a matter of continuing to ensure the public transport offer, explained Transport Minister Susanna Karawanskij (left).
"With this special support, the country is also expecting that fares will not be increased in proportion to the increase in fuel and energy prices," said the minister. This year there are still 10 million euros available to mitigate the cost increase in the fuel sector, next year it will be 15 million euros.
According to the ministry, sharply increased fuel and electricity costs and high inflation have led to transport companies "getting into a dangerous economic situation". The money comes from the Thuringian relief fund, which is primarily intended to mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis.
According to the ministry, the budget and finance committee of the state parliament released the money for public transport aid on Thursday.
