Rufbus Flexa in northern Saxony: high demand, many improvement requests!

Rufbus Flexa in northern Saxony: high demand, many improvement requests!

In the district of North Saxony there is new on the fleet: On December 15, 2024, the flexible "Flexa" call bus system was launched. This system is intended to significantly improve public transport in rural areas, because it works regardless of fixed timetables or line paths. The buses pick up the passengers near them and bring them to the desired target stops or transfer points. An extremely practical solution for everyone who is traveling in less well -connected regions.

But what are the exact prerequisites for using "Flexa"? If there is no planned connection 30 minutes before or after the desired trip and the route between the start and destination is more than 25 kilometers or less than one kilometer, you can book a trip. This can be conveniently organized via the MDV app "Moovme" or by phone at 03435 906096, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookings are also possible up to 60 minutes before the desired departure time.

user experiences: Where does the shoe press?

The response to "Flexa" has been mixed. In everyday life, the service proves to be popular, with an average of 80 trips a day. Nevertheless, there are many voices that require improvements. Older people in particular report difficulties because many problems with smartphones have and therefore prefer a phone booking. The 21 o'clock regulation also meets criticism because it limits the evening freedom of use. Users want the service to be available until midnight in order to be able to be flexible in the evening.

In addition, more intensive advertising is desired, since many citizens have not yet adequately learned about the offer. Even suggestions, such as collecting trips especially for seniors, are up for debate and could help promote the acceptance of the system.

capacity and future perspectives

In order to meet the increasing demand, Nordsachsen is planning to increase the capacities of the call bus system soon. Taxi companies are currently being used for additional trips, but this is not always the ideal solution. The strongest demand occurs from Monday to Friday in the early morning and in the afternoon and on weekends until early evening. In the Schkeuditz area in particular, there is the greatest need for topping up to fully meet the requirements of the users.

The initiative for the call bus system is in the context of a nationwide trend that wants to initiate a necessary traffic transition in rural regions of Germany. While a wide range of transport offers are often available in urban areas, the connection in rural areas often remains below expectations, which has a negative impact on people's mobility. Experts emphasize that only 9 % of the kilometers traveled on buses and trains are eliminated, the rest is still mainly driven by car. Here it is important to stimulate a rethink.

Transport policy must change in order to reach the climate goals and offer people real alternatives to the car. "Flexa" could act as a model and support the decisive turn in rural public transport. But the way there requires commitment to citizens and politics.

For more information on the "Flexa" call system and the booking options, visit Torgauer Zeitung or Nordsachsen Mobil. In addition, Deutschlandfunk highlights the challenges and opportunities of rural transactions. It remains exciting how "Flexa" will develop in the coming months.