Community Buses in the Arnsberg Administrative District

In the Arnsberg administrative district, an ongoing grant program offers the opportunity to establish new mobility services in rural areas. Public institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies can submit applications after founding a volunteer-organized citizen bus association. Funding is provided for flat-rate organizational expenses amounting to €6,500 or €7,500 (depending on the application of the community or statewide tariff), the acquisition of new and replacement vehicles, as well as the introduction of demand-responsive on-demand services with grants of up to €10,000. A prerequisite is a contractual guarantee of deficit coverage by the municipality or transport company, commencement of operations within 18 months, and an operational area lacking sufficient public transport services.

The citizen bus complements the public local transport network in regions where conventional scheduled services are no longer adequate. A transport company ensures the legal and technical foundations, while volunteers handle passenger transport, thereby closing mobility gaps. Responsibility for application submission and approval lies with the Arnsberg District Government, Department 25. The program aims to strengthen local partnerships between citizens, municipalities, and transport companies and to enhance quality of life in rural areas through sustainable local transport concepts.