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Intermunicipal transportation association of the Central Thuringia
Published on 30 January 2018
Germany
Thüringen
Klaus Bongartz
Referent
About this good practice
The core element of the VMT concept is a uniform tariff system, which allows the passenger to use city and regional buses, trams and trains throughout the whole VMT area with only one ticket. The basis is the 113 tariff zones, divided into city or region zones. All transport companies involved in the network sell and accept this common tariff.
The main task of the VMT and its affiliates is to create attractive offers and easy-to-understand passenger information. This includes, in addition to the uniform transparent tariff, coordinated timetables, common transport conditions and a comprehensive information system. Via the route planner on the VMT homepage one can quickly and easily check the information about the connections for the entire journey. Many extra features, e.g. a map-based tool indicating the way to and from the stop, make navigation easier.
The main stakeholders of this concept are the participating cities, counties and districts as well as their transport authorities, participating public transport companies, operators and services providers.
Beneficiaries are the inhabitants because they get an integrated, well planned public transportation network
The main task of the VMT and its affiliates is to create attractive offers and easy-to-understand passenger information. This includes, in addition to the uniform transparent tariff, coordinated timetables, common transport conditions and a comprehensive information system. Via the route planner on the VMT homepage one can quickly and easily check the information about the connections for the entire journey. Many extra features, e.g. a map-based tool indicating the way to and from the stop, make navigation easier.
The main stakeholders of this concept are the participating cities, counties and districts as well as their transport authorities, participating public transport companies, operators and services providers.
Beneficiaries are the inhabitants because they get an integrated, well planned public transportation network
Resources needed
The VMT team has around 14 permanent staff members.
Evidence of success
The Intermunicipal transportation association of the Central Thuringia is continuously developing. After its funding, the offer was available in Erfurt, Weimar, Jena, Apolda and parts of the district of Weimarer Land. In 2010 the VMT extended its area around the city of Gera, the district of Gotha and the Saale-Holzland. Currently thirteen transport companies, seven cities and counties as well as The Free State of Thuringia are involved. In the future the VMT plans to expand
Potential for learning or transfer
To provide the competitiveness of public transport to individual transport, the integration of the transportation system seems to be indispensable. In case of Central Thuringia, setting up an intermunicipal transportation association brought a great number of benefits, what leads to a continuous increase of the number of passengers. Practice shows however, that in-depth evaluation of different needs of the passengers should be carried out to ensure a balanced tariff fairness to all of them.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture
Germany
Thüringen
Contact
Klaus Bongartz
Referent