RVW secures 10-year extension for bus services in Zwickau, Germany

Credit: Transdev

Transdev has announced that Regionalverkehr Westsachsen GmbH (RVW) will continue to operate bus services in the district of Zwickau for another decade, extending until the end of 2035. The decision comes as a result of a successful tender process conducted by the responsible transport authority.

The renewed contract encompasses a bundle of 68 bus routes covering the north, northwest, west and south of the district, totalling approximately 4.1 million timetabled kilometres annually. Notably, over half of the fleet, which comprises more than 100 buses, will transition to electric buses, marking a substantial shift towards sustainable transportation in the region. Through optimised operational planning, these electric buses are set to deliver around 70% of the transport services. Currently, RVW employs 265 individuals.

With the transition to electric buses forming a central component of RVW’s extended service, Transdev stands ready to collaborate closely with the company and the district of Zwickau to deliver innovative, climate-conscious transportation services to residents and commuters.

André Jalowy, Managing Director of RVW, said: “Transdev Group already successfully operates more than 3,000 e-buses worldwide. We are happy to contribute our expertise in this area so that we can continue to offer citizens an attractive and climate friendly mobility service together with the district in the coming years.”

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As the existing contract is set to expire by the end of 2025, the district of Zwickau has opted to award the regional bus service contract from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2035. Despite competitive bids, RVW emerged victorious by presenting the most economical offer, securing its position as the incumbent operator.

Carsten Michaelis, District Administrator, said: “The district of Zwickau will thus become a Germany-wide pioneer for electromobility in regional transport. Thanks to higher subsidies and independence from rising diesel prices, the district will save a lot of money in the long-term.”

The extension of RVW’s contract underscores a commitment towards sustainable mobility and reflects a strategic partnership between public authorities and private entities to address environmental concerns while enhancing public transportation services.