Neubrandenburg's Rufus: flexible and electrical - that's how it works!

Neubrandenburg's Rufus: flexible and electrical - that's how it works!

Neubrandenburg, Deutschland - In Neubrandenburg there has been an exciting innovation in public transport since June 1, 2023: The Rufus Shuttles. These new call buses offer a flexible alternative to conventional city buses. They are smaller than the usual city buses, but larger than taxis - just the right measure for individual transportation. So far, however, the offer has only been used on average once a day, which indicates that the citizens have only to get used to the new mobility solution inside. Nordkurier reports that the call buses are designed especially for trips outside the regular line network. The Rufus offer a convenient solution if you want to visit the cultural park, the city center or the Augustabad/RWN.

The routies are possible between around 20 stops, including three central ring stops: town hall, bus station and Treptower Tor. If the call bus system is planned to other areas, it will be crucial what the demand looks like and which capacities are available. This expansion could be reality at the end of the year. The Rufus app that can be used for the booking is already enjoying a three -digit number of downloads.

flexibility and environmental friendliness

A big plus The Rufus Shuttles is the flexibility they offer. Users: Inside, the start and finish point can select within the fixed operating areas and either book a trip in advance or request it immediately. In addition, the system informs passengers about the travel time, the route and even the shuttle's live location, which makes the entire use even more uncomplicated. Payment is made without cash, either by PayPal or credit card, and even bicycles cannot be taken with you, so that the Rufus are specially tailored. Rollators and strollers, on the other hand, are allowed, and small dogs travel for free. A reduced individual ticket is incurred for larger animals and luggage. New SW emphasizes that every passenger has a guaranteed seat, which also increases comfort.

When can you use the Rufus Shuttles? These are available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the trips start at 8 a.m. on weekends. The interest in the new mobility offer can also be seen in the day of general interest on the marketplace, where the concept was presented. The Neubrandenburgers are ready to enter new terrain and use the advantages of a flexible and environmentally friendly transport.

sustainability in focus

What is in demand in many places is implemented here in an exciting way: the Rufus Shuttles are fully electrical and thus make their contribution to climate protection. According to a publication on the history and development of ridepooling in Germany, which offers a market overview of similar systems, what is happening here in Neubrandenburg is part of a larger trend towards environmentally friendly traffic solutions. The research society for road and transport (FGSV) makes it clear that we should learn from the experience of the past in order to make the future optimal. Here there are other interesting approaches to the development of ridepooling services that can further increase flexibility in urban traffic.