New Long-Distance Bus Terminals in Germany

For many decades long-distance busses were never of great importance in Germany. This part of public transport was almost exclusively provided by railway transportation. Legally, railway transportation was protected from competition. Applications for long-distance bus line concessions had no chance of success.However the amendment of the German Federal Passenger Transportation Act to 1st January 2013 liberalized the German market for long-distance busses significantly. Entrepreneurs still need an official concession, but for granting concessions, it is irrelevant, whether other bus or railway companies already operate the transportation service applied for. On long-distance transportation routes competition between different bus companies is now possible. Parallel operations are allowed.Within a short time applications for many new connections from different companies were submitted. The acceptance of domestic long-distance bus services by passengers is extremely high. Nevertheless, it becomes evident, that new infrastructure in the form of central long-distance bus terminals for the passengers is required. The German Federal Legislator provides no regulations for this type of infrastructure. The German Federal Passenger Transportation Act only knows the term “bus stop”, which requires signage by the bus company (minimal standard.Long-distance bus terminals can be planned in central or peripheral areas of a city. The location depends on the individual case, e.g. if local authorities contribute financially to the construction of the building or finance the construction of the building completely. Beside urban-planning reasons, also reasons of city marketing can be of importance. The actual operation of the terminal is often transferred to external operators. External operators finance themselves by user fees and rental income from shops and offices. It is essential that external operators act neutrally and non-discriminatory towards all terminal users. In addition, rules are required regulating the possible congestion of terminals operated by external operators.