Arzberg Citizens' Bus: Voluntary heroes bring back mobility!

Arzberg Citizens' Bus: Voluntary heroes bring back mobility!

Arzberg, Deutschland - A Tuesday morning in Arzberg, and the citizens' bus rolls through the streets with a quiet hum. "Arzberger Bürgerbus" is emblazoned on the Mercedes sprinter. Unlike an ordinary bus, this bus picks up its passengers directly from home. A unique concept that is borne by 16 committed volunteers, including eight telephony and eight drivers. The bus is a lifeline for older and mobile people who live in the 18 districts of the community and in surrounding cities such as Torgau and Falkenberg. Every month he covers an impressive 1500 to 2000 kilometers.

Wolfgang Fiedler, a pensioner who has been running the bus for two years, is one of these heroes. "I'm only going on when everyone is buckled up," he emphasizes with a look at the rearview mirror. For him, the citizens' bus is not just a means of transport, but a way to escape loneliness and do something good. "What would we have out here if the citizens' bus does not exist. We are cut off from God and the world," he says. The first passenger of the day, a 77-year-old lady, regularly uses the service for medical trips. She is grateful for the possibility of achieving your goals without long footpaths.

unique concept in Germany

The principle of the citizens' bus is unique in Germany, explains Bernd Albrecht, one of the project providers. Together with Mayor Holger Reinboth and other supporters, he launched the project. Since 2017, the bus has been making people visiting doctor, physiotherapy or even cultural events in the evening. The service has been particularly valued since the restrictions in local public transport that have deleted many regular bus rides to Arzberg. In December, a flexible call bus system is to be switched.

a service that connects

Irmgard and Herbert Gatzke, both over 85 years old, have been using the bus for six years. "The offer is great. The bus is ready for use at all times, people are very friendly and committed," says Herbert Gatzke. The citizens' bus not only offers transport, but also accompanying services for mobile limited people. Petra Rath, a former caregiver, has recently been part of the project and supports passengers with passion. "In the project there is so much passion and self -commitment from us. We meet the bus with life and hope that we can make use of it later," says Bernd Albrecht.