Through targeted funding and clear guidelines, the administrative districts as public transport authorities and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate are laying the decisive foundations for driving forward the transport turnaround together with the transport companies commissioned by
.
We laid the foundations for this development back in 2022 with the launch of the new, improved bus networks in close consultation with the districts. In the tenders at the time, we deliberately ensured that the vehicle requirements and contract terms would allow for a later switch to alternative drive systems, particularly e-mobility. This strategic foresight is now paying off.
Districts and state enable e-bus offensive
Thanks to the funding commitments from the public sector, Kommunalverkehr
Rhein-Nahe (KRN) can comprehensively modernize its fleet. A total of 60 electric buses
will be procured, the first 18 of which will go into operation
in the first quarter of 2026. A central element of this initiative supported by the districts is the
construction of the new e-bus depot in Wörrstadt in the district of Alzey-Worms. As the largest
of its kind in Rhineland-Palatinate, it will ensure the operation of e-buses on important
commuter routes such as Mainz-Bad Kreuznach (line 630) or Mainz-Alzey (line 660)
.
Birkenfeld district opts for e-mobility with 20 new buses
As the responsible public transport authority, the district of Birkenfeld is also investing heavily in
a climate-friendly future. Thanks to its commitment, 20 new electric buses have been purchased for
Nahverkehrsbetriebe Birkenfeld (NVB), which
are subsidized by federal funds. In future, these will cover three quarters of the annual
mileage and save over 1,500 tons of CO2 per year. The decision by the
district to take this step is a milestone for local public transport and the quality of life
in the region, particularly in the city of Idar-Oberstein and on some
intercity routes.
City of Ingelheim as a municipal pioneer
The town of Ingelheim took on a pioneering role in the network area early on.
By deciding to convert the town bus service to battery-electric buses,
the town sent a strong signal for a CO2-neutral future years ago.
The efforts of the districts, the state and the town of Ingelheim demonstrate
the joint commitment to sustainable and modern local transport. As a
association, the RNN creates the coordinative platform for coordinating services and
drives forward the uniform orientation for environmentally friendly mobility in the entire
region.