City of Wiesbaden to Transfer Public Transport System Ownership to ESWE Verkehr
In a move aimed at securing sustainable mobility for Wiesbaden's local public transport, the city council has awarded ESWE Traffic a 15-year contract for the city's bus operations, starting from October 1, 2027. This decision comes as Wiesbaden continues to lead the way in electric vehicle adoption, with 29% of newly registered cars last year being hybrid or fully electric, making it second only to Wolfsburg in terms of electric vehicle density among cities.
The contract, a Public Service Contract (PSC), was awarded without a public tendering process, a decision that may raise concerns about transparency and accountability. However, the direct award is seen as a commitment to Wiesbaden's municipal bus company and a signal against political doubts from parts of the opposition.
The contract secures ongoing operations for ESWE Traffic, enabling the company to plan larger projects, such as the construction of a new depot. The company, responsible for the operation of the traditional Nerobergbahn and the entire bus infrastructure in Wiesbaden, is expected to leverage its specialized expertise to maintain high-quality public bus operations.
Wiesbaden's commitment to sustainable mobility is further evidenced by its expansion of car-sharing services. The city is adding 35 new car-sharing stations in public streets, with the first station opened at Christa-Moering-Platz. This expansion is supported by the federal law, which prioritizes car-sharing, creating conditions for expansion and investing millions.
The new PSC is intended to provide planning security, investments, and sustainable mobility for Wiesbaden's local public transport. The contract requires ESWE to consistently implement the goals of the city's local transport plan, including quality assurance, efficiency, and expansion.
While the decision to directly award the contract without a public tendering process may raise questions, the potential benefits include savings, clarity, and avoiding bureaucratic detours. Furthermore, synergies within the municipal corporate family, such as ESWE Supply or GWW, can be better utilized under the new PSC, keeping tax revenue within the city.
As Wiesbaden's citizens increasingly embrace electric vehicles, the city is poised to continue its journey towards sustainable mobility. The new PSC is a significant step in this direction, ensuring the continuity and improvement of public transport services in Wiesbaden.
The new Public Service Contract (PSC) awarded to ESWE Traffic for Wiesbaden's bus operations may stimulate financial synergies within the municipal corporate family, such as with ESWE Supply or GWW, keeping tax revenue within the city. Given the city's focus on sustainable mobility, this PSC is also expected to promote transportation advancements, like the construction of a new depot for electric buses in the industry.
