VVO plans battery trains and fusion: This is how it is about local transport!

VVO plans battery trains and fusion: This is how it is about local transport!

Görlitz, Deutschland - Mobility around Dresden and Königsbrück faces an important turning point. The Oberelbe Verkehrsverbund (VVO) plans to switch the route between Dresden and Königsbrück to battery -driven trains. This could be an environmentally friendly solution for steadily increasing demand in public transport (public transport). However, despite the positive balance of the VVO for the first half of 2024, the financing of this ambitious change remains an uncertain factor. The Free State has already signalized that it could withdraw from the financing, which would seriously endanger the plans. As can be seen from a report from all Lausitz, the income increase from 10.6 % in total to a total of 73.9 million euros in the first four months to the VVO and its twelve connected companies fully returned to the high demand for offers such as the Germany tickets.

Another stumbling block are the impending cuts in local transport, which are due to rising costs. A comprehensive switch to battery brackets not only requires technological adjustments, but also massive investments in the infrastructure. However, the VVO plans to cover a large part of the planning costs in order to secure the necessary investment funding. At the same time, the barrier-free expansion of the train stations in Hoyerswerda, Bischheim-Gersdorf, Geising and Oberschlottwitz is running, which illustrates the association's efforts to modernize. In addition, the link between public transport and bicycle is funded by the expansion of the Mobibike distribution offer.

The merger as an option

An important point in the current discussion is the possible merger of the VVO with the neighboring traffic association Oberlausitz-Lower Silesia (Zvon). The district councils in Bautzen and Görlitz and the city council in Görlitz have already received consultations about it. The decisions on the merger are to be made in the second half of 2025. Can this possibly offer a solution for the financial hurdles? A harmonized transport network could increase the economy and strengthen general services in public transport.

The financing of public transport is not only in Saxony, but in general in the focus of ongoing debates. As the Berlin state government explains, the financing of public transport typically consists of several components: driving allowances, income from advertising and renting as well as compensation payments from the state budget, which make up over 50 % of the overall income of the transport companies. These financial framework conditions are crucial in order to maintain a powerful and socially acceptable local transport offer. A local transport offer, which is strongly aimed at maximization of profits, could significantly endanger general services.

public support is required

Sustainable financing is indispensable to cover the mobility needs of the citizens: inside. Public transport is often financed by two pillars: ticket sales and public grants. In recent years it has been shown that considerable investments in the infrastructure are urgently needed. The federal government has therefore launched special rescue umbrellas to cushion loss of income during Corona pandemic. However, in order to ensure a positive development in the long term, a discussion about alternative financing options is also necessary, for example through parking space management or a citizen ticket. The call to renew and expand our transport infrastructure is more urgent than ever.

The coming months will be crucial for the future of local transport in the region. While the VVO is optimistic about the year, there is a lack of clarity about the financial means that are necessary to realize the ambitious slab steps. The conversations on merger with the Zvon could be a way to meet these challenges together - because one thing is clear: mobility in the region needs a good hand and innovative approaches.