From electrified fleets to autonomous buses: VDV's Ingo Wortmann outlines priorities for Germany's public transport sector - Sustainable Bus

"Public transport demonstrates that transformation is possible: nearly 5,000 locally emission-free buses - around ten percent of the entire city bus fleet, with the share growing dynamically - are already in operation in Germany. From 2030 onwards, 90% of newly procured city buses must be emission-free. The sector is technologically ready - what is missing is secure financing for the necessary investments."

"Despite a slight increase in passenger numbers to 9.86 billion (+0.8%), further growth is being hampered by deteriorating infrastructure, vehicle shortages and excessive bureaucracy. The VDV is therefore calling for a swift public transport modernisation pact and a strengthening of the Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG) - with increased funding, continued support for fundamental renewal beyond 2030, and sustained investment in digitalisation and automation."

Germany's public transport sector faces critical challenges despite technological readiness for transformation. Nearly 5,000 emission-free buses operate in Germany, representing ten percent of the city bus fleet with growing adoption. From 2030, ninety percent of newly procured city buses must be emission-free. However, secure financing remains the primary obstacle. The VDV reports that while passenger numbers increased slightly to 9.86 billion, rising personnel costs and deteriorating infrastructure hinder further growth. Strategic priorities include modernizing infrastructure, stabilizing financing for the Deutschlandticket used by 14.6 million people, and strengthening the Municipal Transport Financing Act with increased funding for fleet renewal, digitalization, and automation beyond 2030.

Read at Sustainable Bus