Starting January 7, 2025, public transportation services in Germany will undergo significant adjustments as both Bogestra and DSW21 implement schedule changes to improve efficiency and address customer feedback.
For Bogestra, which oversees transport services in Gelsenkirchen, several bus lines will see modifications. Specifically, lines 340 and 342 will experience slight shifts, with departures adjusting by two to three minutes to bolster punctuality. The 380 line will also have departure times modified within the range of one to four minutes. Notably, buses on line 381 will now leave the Karl-Meyer-Straße stop one minute earlier on weekdays and Saturdays, increasing service reliability.
Further changes affect line 383, where following customer suggestions, the evening service will end earlier at Gelsenkirchen Hbf at 19:02, instead of continuing to Melanchthonstraße. Conversely, another trip will be extended to cover this route starting at 19:37. Lines 384 and 388 will also have their schedules adjusted for more timely service, with expectations for enhanced reliability across the board.
Meanwhile, DSW21 is making precise alterations to its Dortmund route schedules starting on the same date. Line U47, which is highly frequented, will see significantly more double-carriage trains introduced as part of the company’s effort to modernize and expand its fleet, with 34 new vehicles on order. Discussions are also underway to temporarily reduce some supplementary services on line U43 during specific hours to optimize operational capabilities.
For the U45 line, certain expanded services will be discontinued temporarily, especially during peak hours. DSW21 has committed to maintaining regular service on routes like DO-Hauptbahnhof to Westfalenhallen, ensuring passengers experience minimal disruption.
Anticipated changes to the school bus routes are also significant. A recent rise in demand led to operational adjustments on the 436 line, which will now utilize articulated buses to accommodate more students. Conversely, two morning trips on the 452 and 453 lines have been eliminated due to low demand.
Ongoing construction projects across Dortmund have necessitated additional changes as well. Bus line 447 will reroute completely for three months, managing transport efficiently during the Holtbrügge construction. The alterations aim to keep services running smoothly, assuring passengers maintain timely access to the city’s amenities.
Last but not least, DSW21 aims to mitigate disruptions on line 480. Due to construction, buses will have to take prolonged routes, especially servicing the heavily trafficked Kirchlinde area. Provider adjustments were made to secure connections with the U44 light rail services, ensuring seamless integration across the transportation network.
Drivers and commuters alike are encouraged to review the revised timetables, which are now accessible on Bogestra’s website and via their app, "Mutti-App," as well as through DSW21’s special page detailing all changes. For those seeking additional clarification, Bogestra offers a hotline for inquiries about the modifications.
The upcoming transportation changes highlight public transit's adaptability amid growing urban demands and feedback-driven improvements. Travelers are advised to stay informed as these changes roll out for enhanced mobility across the region.