Free bus driving in Oldenburg: A test for sustainable mobility!

Free bus driving in Oldenburg: A test for sustainable mobility!

In Oldenburg, citizens have had the opportunity to drive free of charge on Saturdays since the first weekend in January. This pilot project, which is supported by the city of Oldenburg and the local bus company VWG, includes trips within the first price level and applies to routes of Hundsmühlen, Friedrichsfehn, Wehn, Ovenerfeld and Wahnbek to Oldenburg as well as within the city limits. According to a report by ndr Weekend the usual number of buses, so that no increase in the number of passengers could be recorded. The free journeys are available on Saturdays on Sundays, while passengers from outside or with price levels B or higher will continue to buy a ticket.

The city of Oldenburg assumes the costs of the project, which are estimated at around 580,000 euros. A first survey on acceptance of the offer is scheduled for February, and the project should initially be limited to one year. Growing costs for personnel and energy are the reasons for this initiative, which is also intended as part of a sustainable mobility model. Morell Predoehl, the Head of Marketing and Sales of the VwG, emphasized that the goal was to make it easier for citizens to access climate-friendly mobility, such as Oldenburg.de reported.

city supports sustainable mobility

City building councilor Christine-Petra Schacht emphasizes the free Saturdays, which should enable people to leave the car standing and get to know the bus offers better. The initiative is viewed as a measure to relieve the traffic and parking situation in the city center in order to reduce emissions. Schacht expresses hope that many citizens will learn to appreciate bus driving as an environmentally friendly means of transport.

Ralph Wilken, the head of business development, adds that free bus use makes visiting the city center of Oldenburg more attractive. This could enliven retail and contribute to the economic strengthening of the city. The initiative is received positively by downtown merchants.

-transmitted by West-Ost-Medien