Vorpommern-Greifswald District Council: Urgent negotiations with AVG about bus routes!

Vorpommern-Greifswald District Council: Urgent negotiations with AVG about bus routes!

The Vorpommern-Greifswald district council decided at a meeting on Monday in Pasewalk to start negotiations with the Anklamer Verkehrsgesellschaft (AVG). This approach is necessary because AVG is planning to sell part of its bus fleet in order to survive in the long term due to economic difficulties. AVG's route network covers important cities such as Greifswald, Wolgast, Anklam and Jarmen, and discussions are aimed at possibly transferring operating areas and buses to a new operator.

The district administrator of Vorpommern-Greifswald, Michael Sack (CDU), will soon begin negotiations with the AVG management. Interestingly, AVG had already made offers to take over or buy buses a year ago, but these were rejected. These developments show that there is an urgent need for action in the region's transport infrastructure. The introduction of the Deutschlandticket and the associated price increases in operating costs have increased the financial pressure on AVG.

Challenges and opportunities in bus transport

To date, AVG has operated independently and does not receive any public subsidies for its operations. Nevertheless, the company has had to struggle with high losses in recent years, which are not least due to general price developments in the industry. The increasing cost pressure has also led to the decision to sell almost a third of the bus fleet. However, this decision could also open up new opportunities for the region, especially if municipal companies enter the discussions.

Anklam's mayor, Michael Galander, has called for fair negotiations in the interests of the employees. It is expected that the district's own transport company Vorpommern-Greifswald will also take over bus traffic on the island from the Usedomer Bäderbahn from 2026, which could further shed light on the territorial challenges of public transport in the region.

Price development in local public transport

Bus ticket prices have recently increased by around 10 percent at several companies. This could pose additional hurdles for users who are already suffering the financial consequences of general inflation and the rising cost of living. There was also recently a negative decision for AVG as its attempt to file an insolvency complaint with the Stralsund Regional Court failed.

In the larger context, the mobility transition in Germany is becoming increasingly important. Loud VDV In 2023, around 9.4 billion passengers were transported by local public transport member companies. Daily passenger numbers are over 26 million, making public transport an important part of mobility in the region.

The challenges facing AVG reflect the tense situation in the bus sector. But as the company works on its future, it remains to be seen what solutions can be reached in the upcoming negotiations. It is clear that everyone involved must pull together to ensure stable and affordable public transport in Western Pomerania-Greifswald.

Further information and current developments can be found on the official website AVG be read.