On the road again faster: Erfurt transport companies are returning to 10-minute intervals!

On the road again faster: Erfurt transport companies are returning to 10-minute intervals!

In Erfurt there has been chaos in public transport in recent months that is hard to miss. Long waiting times at bus and tram stops became a daily reality. The good news: From August 11, 2025, Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe AG (EVAG) will return to the usual 10-minute frequency. This is happening in line with the new school year, which sounds promising to many. The return to the regular timetable became necessary after a reduced timetable, which had been in effect since November 2024, was introduced due to staff shortages caused, among other things, by illness and a shortage of skilled workers. On certain routes, passengers had to wait hours for buses and trains as they only ran every 20 to 30 minutes, while some lines were completely at a standstill on Saturdays, reports thueringen24.de.

A look at the background shows that EVAG has already taken concrete measures to improve the precarious conditions. Not only were 57 new drivers hired, but additional training and lateral entry programs are also underway to help keep the workforce stable. Overall, new rounds of training for bus drivers are planned in the coming months, and the popular tourist city tours are gradually returning, which will let the tourism industry breathe a sigh of relief.

Lack of staff is a central issue

Why are there such bottlenecks in public transport? A significant reason is the high level of sickness and long training periods, which are now at 12 percent. Additionally, 197 tram drivers are currently on duty in Erfurt, while many companies are struggling with similar difficulties across the industry. The shortage of skilled workers is an alarming issue in local public transport. By 2030, around 80,000 employees, primarily baby boomers, are expected to retire. In order to advance the mobility transition, a total of 110,000 new employees will have to be hired by then, the website confirms VDV.

In addition, a survey shows that many companies plan to hire new employees, with 74 percent of public transport companies surveyed aiming to do so. Continued pressure on the labor market could therefore lead to problems in the area of ​​public transport increasing not only in Erfurt but throughout Germany in the coming years.

Future developments in public transport

But EVAG seems to have a good hand at getting the situation under control. As reported, there are currently several initiatives underway to attract career changers. Anyone interested in a job in public transport must be at least 21 years old, have completed vocational training and have a class B driving license in order to be able to work in shifts. The “Applicants’ Railway”, a platform for information about careers in public transport, is intended to ensure that interest is increased.

The mobility industry is growing, and public transport is more than ever seen as central to climate action. Despite the current challenges, it remains to be seen whether EVAG's measures will help stabilize operations. The return to the usual timetable is welcome news for passengers in Erfurt who rely on reliable transport services.