Rostock's tram West: referendum against 100 million euros!

Rostock's tram West: referendum against 100 million euros!

The discussion about the new tram line “Tram West” in Rostock is causing quite a stir in the city. In autumn 2026, those eligible to vote should decide whether the route from Reutershagen to the zoo should be built or not. A four-kilometer-long route is planned that would cost around 100 million euros and should attract two million additional passengers per year. But not everyone is enthusiastic about these plans.

The Rostock SPD has decided to take action against the project and initiate a citizens' initiative. Thoralf Sens, the parliamentary group leader of the SPD, was critical of the high costs in view of the city's debts and warned of the ecological consequences: "53 allotment gardens and numerous trees would have to give way for the construction." Within a week, the party had already collected hundreds of signatures to encourage citizens to vote. However, at least 4,000 valid signatures are necessary for a successful referendum, and the SPD aims to gain even more support.

Public opinion and concerns

An information stand was set up on the market square in Reutershagen to mobilize numerous passers-by to sign. Criticism of the route is diverse: in addition to the loss of green space, the connection to the cemetery and the loss of parking spaces for the zoo are also cited as key negative aspects of the project. As the recent surveys show, there are concerns among citizens in Reutershagen that the new tram will not only impact nature, but could also put additional strain on traffic with a new roundabout that would require traffic lights again.

But not everyone is skeptical about the project. For many people in Rostock, the tram is very popular as a step towards a sustainable future. The Greens also support the project and emphasize the importance of the tram for local public transport. It is an exciting clash of interests that could lead to an intensive exchange among citizens in the coming months.

Alternative proposals and the future of Tram West

In addition to the official plans, there are also alternative proposals. Thoralf Sens thinks a B variant makes sense, which provides for a tram line in Gehlsdorf. This idea seems to have received a positive response from many passers-by. The question remains, however, whether there will actually be a citizens' initiative and how citizens will react to these proposals.

The decision on the new tram line could have far-reaching consequences for Rostock's transport infrastructure. The coming months will show whether “Tram West” will become a reality or whether the residents and the SPD can stop it. Either way, the discussion has only just begun and it will be interesting to see how opinions develop in the coming weeks.

For more information about the planned tram line, take a look at the Baltic Sea newspaper over. Those too daily news offers current reports on these exciting developments.