Call-bus revolution: Taxi drivers help with high demand in Ludwigsland!

Call-bus revolution: Taxi drivers help with high demand in Ludwigsland!

The on-call bus is very popular in the Ludwigslust-Parchim region! The Ludwigslust-Parchim (VLP) transport company is currently recording up to 12,000 booking attempts per day. This immense demand shows how important a well-functioning mobility offer is for the rural population. But the VLP cannot handle all requests, which is why it enlists the support of taxi drivers and rental car companies. This partnership is intended not only to increase capacity, but also to generate additional income for drivers. Passengers benefit from the usual attractive tariffs that are consistent, regardless of whether they use the on-call bus, a taxi or a rental car. The trips are available via the “Ruf VLP” app, by phone or online, although advance registration times must be at least one hour. The combination of traditional and modern transport can therefore be viewed as a model for mobility in rural areas.

The VLP has a fleet of 42 vehicles and 72 drivers. A key to this recipe for success is the modern technology behind the on-call bus system. An app coordinates the trips and acts as a marketplace for mobility offers. The Deutschlandticket is also accepted in this system, which further lowers the barrier to using public transport. The tariff structure remains transparent and user-friendly: a ticket on the on-call bus costs the same as on the regular bus.

Testing autonomous on-call buses

Things are also getting exciting when it comes to autonomous driving. The first test drives of an autonomous on-call bus in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have been running around Hagenow since July 2025. This innovative transport project is part of the state's mobility offensive and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with 2.34 million euros. The tests use a high-tech vehicle from the partner company MOTOR Ai, which checks the network coverage for autonomous vehicles. District Administrator Stefan Sternberg emphasizes that the district is taking on a pioneering role in the transport transition and appreciates the use of the data obtained for future operational areas.

There are many changes coming in the coming months. The test phase is planned to begin with VLP's first autonomous vehicle in November 2025. Five autonomous vehicles are to be integrated into the existing on-call bus system, which could make regular operation without a safety driver a reality from 2028. This would not only improve the mobility of the rural population, but also make a valuable contribution to climate protection.

Goals and visions for the future

The “ARuf_LUP” and “ARuf_LUP_bereich” projects are aimed at addressing the challenges of rural public transport. These include low population density, long distances and limited financial resources. A key goal is to increase the quality of life in the region. By adapting the vehicles to the needs of the rural population, the quality of life and social participation of the residents can be significantly improved.

The mobility offensive is not just a technical undertaking, but a progressive step towards a sustainable and networked future in rural areas. The insights gained will not only be important for the region itself, but could also serve as a model for other rural areas in Germany. The combination of modern transport offerings and autonomous vehicles could become a goldmine for innovative mobility solutions.

The upcoming developments promise to revolutionize public transport in rural areas from the ground up!

For more information, see the articles from SVZ, VLP and Autonomous driving.