Supplementary local transport services to improve mobility in rural areas with demand-oriented modes of operation of general public transport and pilot projects for inter-district express bus connections in bus transport (ErNa)

The Free State of Bavaria specifically supports supplementary local transport services in rural areas with the aim of improving mobility throughout all regions of the state. The focus is on flexible, demand-oriented service forms of general public transport as well as pilot projects for cross-district express bus connections. Eligible for funding are public transport authorities according to the Bavarian Public Transport Act – usually districts and district-free municipalities. A prerequisite for funding is, among other things, approval under the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG) as well as the provision of the majority of passenger-kilometers in rural areas according to the State Development Program. New mobility services must, after the initial funding period, ensure at least bi-hourly travel options from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. and on weekends and public holidays.

Only operating cost deficits of the public transport authorities are funded within the framework of partial project funding. The funding rate decreases progressively from 65% in the first year to 35% after three years of initial funding. For projects in particularly eligible areas or with clean, series-ready vehicle technologies, the funding rate may increase by 5 percentage points each. Express bus connections must be cross-district, serve at least two districts, offer higher travel speeds, and have a lower stop density than regular lines. An early start of measures is possible, provided the responsible district government agrees. Applications can be submitted continuously and without deadlines to the locally responsible district government.