VVO is planning battery-powered trains and fusion: This is the situation for local transport!

VVO is planning battery-powered trains and fusion: This is the situation for local transport!

Mobility around Dresden and Königsbrück is facing an important turning point. The Oberelbe Transport Association (VVO) is planning to convert the route between Dresden and Königsbrück to battery-powered trains. This could represent an environmentally friendly solution to the ever-increasing demand for local public transport. However, despite the VVO's positive balance sheet for the first half of 2024, the financing of this ambitious change remains an uncertain factor. The Free State has already signaled that it could withdraw from funding, which would seriously jeopardize the plans. As a report from Alles Lausitz shows, the increase in revenue of 10.6% to a total of 73.9 million euros in the first four months to VVO and its twelve affiliated companies was entirely due to the high demand for offers such as Germany tickets.

Another stumbling block is the threat of cuts in local transport due to rising costs. A comprehensive switch to battery-powered trains requires not only technological adjustments, but also massive investments in infrastructure. However, the VVO plans to cover a large part of the planning costs in order to secure the necessary investment support. At the same time, the barrier-free expansion of the train stations in Hoyerswerda, Bischheim-Gersdorf, Geising and Oberschlottwitz is underway, which illustrates the association's modernization efforts. In addition, the connection between public transport and bicycles is promoted by expanding the MobiBike rental offer.

The merger as an option

An important point in the current discussion is the possible merger of the VVO with the neighboring transport association Upper Lusatia-Lower Silesia (ZVON). The district councils in Bautzen and Görlitz as well as the city council in Görlitz have already started discussions about it. Decisions on the merger are expected to be made in the second half of 2025. could this possibly provide a solution to the financial hurdles? A harmonized transport association could increase economic efficiency and strengthen public transport services.

The financing of public transport is the focus of ongoing debates not only in Saxony, but in general. As the Berlin state government explains, the financing of public transport typically consists of several components: fare revenue, income from advertising and rentals, and compensation payments from the state budget, which make up over 50% of the transport companies' total income. These financial framework conditions are crucial in order to maintain an efficient and socially acceptable local transport service. A local transport service that is strongly geared towards profit maximization could significantly jeopardize public services.

Public support is needed

Sustainable financing is essential to meet citizens’ mobility needs. Public transport is often financed through two pillars: ticket sales and public subsidies. In recent years it has become clear that significant investments in infrastructure are urgently needed. The federal government has therefore launched special rescue packages to cushion loss of income during the corona pandemic. But in order to ensure 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 resources necessary to implement the ambitious plan steps. The merger talks with 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.