Oberallgäu district wants to equip bus stations with digital display boards

Oberallgäu - Local public transport is to become more attractive.

One component is digital passenger information, as is already common at train stations.

The advantages are obvious, said Simon Steuer from the district administration in the committee for public transport, energy and climate protection.

The “upgrading” of the stops is particularly recommended at important stops with a corresponding number of passengers, for example at central transfer points in the bus and train network.

There would also be advantages in terms of tourism for non-residents.

With the "dynamic passenger information" DFI, departure times can be displayed in real time, as well as delay and malfunction reports if required.

They can also be used barrier-free via voice output.

Funding from the district government

The municipalities and the district administration have determined the need for DFI systems.

Around 90 systems of different types are to be procured centrally.

The eligible costs amount to around 653,000 euros, with a 50 percent grant from the government of Swabia, provided that sufficient budget funds are available in the district.

If this funding comes about, the district would have to pay around 180,000 euros and the municipalities around 150,000 euros.

A decision by the district government is expected in the first quarter of next year.

The tendering and procurement could then take place in spring or summer.

The district also bears the running costs - around 10,000 euros annually - for the background system to be established, which it provides for individual systems with corresponding real-time data.

The municipalities bear the installation costs of the DFI at "their" stops and, if necessary, the maintenance costs, which, according to the manufacturer, are "minimal".