Automatic counting on the bus: Lörrach is moving forward with a new system!

Automatic counting on the bus: Lörrach is moving forward with a new system!

A lot is happening in the area of ​​public transport in the Lörrach district! The district council has decided to introduce an innovative system for automatically counting bus passengers (AFZS). This is not only a step to meet the needs of the country but also a smart move to manage the bus supply as per the needs. This decision will particularly affect Südbadenbus buses and is to be implemented gradually by 2027. It is estimated that around 60% of buses will need to be equipped with this new system to ensure comprehensive passenger coverage. The Lörrach district will contribute 40,000 euros annually to the technical implementation of the system, which will be coordinated primarily by the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district. These and many other details [schwarzwaelder-bote.de](https://www.schwarzwaelder-bote.de/content.busverkehr-im-landkreis-loerrach-fahrgaeste-sollen-automatisch-gezaehlt- Werden.b59d31d2-21c4-4a7e-bc85-742a4b545891.html) are of interest not only to citizens, but also to all those who are interested in the hope for continuous improvement in local transport.

With reliable data on public transport usage, the AFZS will provide a valuable resource for planning timetables, vehicle capacities and revenue distribution. This makes it easier to adapt the transport offering, for example through additional trips when demand is high. The state also requires all local public transport authorities to collect passenger usage data, which is important for prospective funding.

New scoreboards for more transparency

At the same time, passengers in the Lörrach district can now count on 37 new dynamic display boards that show the departure times and delays of the buses. These display boards have been extensively installed in cities such as Eimeldingen, Grenzach-Wyhlen and Kandern and contribute to improving user information in public transport. Installation began in September 2022, accompanied by the usual challenges such as civil engineering work and delivery availability. A successful trial operation in spring 2023 ultimately led to system acceptance in July 2023.

Responsibility for operating the display boards was transferred to ten municipalities with a total of 26 locations. The municipalities have delegated operational management to the company Trapico, which takes care of data delivery. Although some data retrieval issues emerged, Trapico worked with transit agencies to resolve the quality issues. The district made 100,000 euros available for this project, while half of the total costs of around 530,000 euros were borne by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The communities are involved in financing the remaining amount, so that good cooperation is promoted [regiotrends.de].

Digital aids in local public transport

The need to inform passengers about modern technologies is becoming increasingly clear. According to Fraunhofer, many passengers have difficult knowledge of how to use public transport, which leads to a preference for taxis or private cars. Apps and digital devices could be the solution here! Innovative projects such as the development of navigation software or applications for smartwatches show how passengers can find their way more efficiently using digital assistance systems. Thanks to such tools, information about delays and changes can also be provided in real time, making the change easier and increasing the user-friendliness of public transport.

Overall, it can be said that the Lörrach district is well on the way to making local public transport more attractive and efficient with its measures. The AFZS and the new display boards are just some of the steps that lead to a better mobility system in the region. Stay curious and take advantage of advances in public transport!