“The Saarland is currently supporting the expansion of on-demand transport services with about two million euros. Of this, 500,000 euros go to the flitsaar project in Spiesen-Elversberg. The aim of the state funding is to improve the connection of the existing public transport network through a flexible on-demand service,” says Minister Petra Berg. “The very positive evaluation by the ACE proves that the state’s on-demand strategy also works in practice. Step by step, we are creating new opportunities for citizens to be sustainably mobile in the Saarland.”
“On-demand services like flitsaar enable more flexibility, offer an attractive complement to the existing transport options, and make an important contribution to the mobility transition. Especially in rural areas, it is important to provide as many people as possible with a reliable alternative to private cars through innovative mobility solutions,” emphasizes District Administrator Sören Meng. “I am pleased that we can take a big step in this direction with flitsaar in the Neunkirchen district.”
“Since 2020, we have been striving to optimize the mobility offering for our citizens. We have placed great emphasis on accessibility, both in the equipment of the bus and the distances between the stops. We are pleased that we can now bring the findings from the research project KIMonos into real-world operation,” explains Bernd Huf, the mayor of Spiesen-Elversberg. “With an offer available seven days a week at different time slots, the service is very well received. We consistently receive positive feedback from the population. Integration into the saarVV and acceptance of time tickets, such as the Deutschlandticket, make flitsaar a true success model for our citizens, one that municipalities both within and outside Saarland envy.”
„At flitsaar in Spiesen-Elversberg, accessible minibuses for people with disabilities are used. Flitsaar, as part of the public transport system, is barrier-free and accessible for young and old,“ says Pascal Koch, Managing Director of NVG. „Mobility-impaired persons who rely on aids such as wheelchairs or walkers indicate this when booking, and the corresponding vehicle carries out the transport. Naturally, the transport of strollers is also possible.”
During European Mobility Week from September 16 to 22, ACE tested 33 on-demand services nationwide, including the flitsaar in Spiesen-Elversberg. With 13 out of 15 possible points, flitsaar now ranks among the top 6 in ACE’s top group. The evaluation criteria included the bookability of the service, accessibility, comfort, and integration into public transport. The flitsaar in Spiesen-Elversberg is financially supported by the Mobility Ministry’s funding and is jointly funded by the municipality of Spiesen-Elversberg and the district of Neunkirchen, while being operated by Neunkircher Verkehrs GmbH (NVG).
