Bus revolution in Trier: Double new networks public transport!

The Transport Association Region Trier (VRT) introduced the last two of a total of 15 bus networks in the region in 2024. The offer in local public transport (public transport) was practically doubled. This means that in small places regularly clocked trips to the next larger centers are now offered, which significantly improves mobility.

In an interview, VRT managing director Barbara Schwarz explained the implementation and future plans of the transport association. The beginning of the comprehensive bus nets goes back to 2018 when the first bus network started in the Vulkaneifel. Since then, numerous new networks in the Trier-Saarburg, Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm and Bernkastel-Wittlich, which have significantly promoted mobility in the region, have been initiated.

call buses and flexible mobility

A central component of public transport offering is the call buses that offer flexible mobility and general interest. If necessary, they pick up passengers and ensure that even in remote places such as Duppach, a connection to larger bus or train lines is guaranteed. Bookings of the call buses can be conveniently done via the VRT app or by phone. In 2018, the introduction of the call buses, which were initially perceived as complicated, began to have great interest in communities like Kelberg.

Although the introduction of new bus nets with a challenge from Corona pandemic, the VRT was able to reach the passenger numbers from the pandemic again at the beginning of 2023. This was made possible by the support of the municipalities and subsidies of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The VRT app was updated in 2024 and offers new functions, including the option of paying tickets with PayPal. In addition, digital passenger information screens will be introduced at stops in 2025 to further improve the user experience.

Another aspect that affects the financing of public transport is the increasing costs of energy, personnel and materials. Despite these challenges, public transport remains indispensable for the region. The Germany ticket, which is used in the VRT area of around 78,000 users, has increased the perception of public transport, even if it has reduced the revenue of the network.