Just change: The new X-Bus in practice

Created: 02/18/2022, 8:00 p.m

By: Veronika Ahn-Tauchnitz

The express bus X970 runs every 20 minutes - even if there are no passengers on board.

© Susanne Weiss

Fast from Bad Tölz via Geretsried and Wolfratshausen to Starnberg: The X970 bus connects the cities.

We are testing whether it offers an alternative to the car.

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen – In London, the famous red double-deckers are part of the cityscape.

Wherever you look, at least one is turning the corner.

The MVV buses don't look that conspicuous, but since mid-December they have been seen remarkably often.

On my way to work from Bad Tölz to Wolfratshausen and back, I see at least two vehicles with the X970 inscription every day.

“Why am I not in there?” I ask myself as I drive my car behind an X-bus almost the entire distance.

Express bus X970 in service for about two months

When looking at the timetable, it turns out that changing trains is not as easy as expected.

The X970 departs from Bad Tölz train station every 20 minutes.

From my front door, however, there is no way to reach the line publicly, although there is a bus stop around the corner.

There are connections from the Wolfratshausen train station to the industrial park, but unfortunately they don't fit in with the working hours.

"It is clear that there is still a need for fine-tuning by regional and city buses," says district office spokeswoman Marlis Peischer when asked by our newspaper.

The concession terms are different in each case.

“Changes like this take time.” The X buses would specifically head for the train stations to replace a railway line that would actually be necessary.

"The character of the express bus is to bring people quickly from A to B," emphasizes the spokeswoman for the authorities.

Express bus X970 on time at train stations

Please get on: Departure at the Wolfratshausen train station.

© Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss

Does the X970 line keep this promise?

On a Friday afternoon we go across the district.

The connection can be found quickly in the MVV app, where you can easily buy a single ticket for 3.50 euros.

The bus was supposed to leave Tölz train station at 2:16 p.m., but it can't be seen.

"Actually, he's always here," says Konstantina Kamargianni.

The X-Bus is a real relief for the 20-year-old bank clerk - because it is almost made for her.

The Geretsried native commutes daily from her home near the “Am Stern” stop to the bank and back.

Thanks to the new line, she can leave the house later in the morning.

"The bus doesn't go through all the villages," she explains.

"He's really handy."

Our Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter keeps you regularly informed about all the important stories from your region.

Ventzislav Borissov made sure that he was punctual that day.

He has factored in the five minutes he starts later.

“There are no traffic jams today,” explains the bus driver, who is behind the wheel in sunglasses and is now skilfully steering towards the brewery and AOK.

These are the other two stops in the spa town.

"I have to be in Wolfratshausen and Starnberg on time - because of the S-Bahn connections," says the 68-year-old.

Keeping an eye on the clock: Ventzislav Borissov is one of the bus drivers who controls the X970 for the Geldhauser company.

© Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss

Expressbus X970 already has its first fans

Borissov is a fan of the new line.

"It's perfect for a weekend trip," says the bus driver.

But many students would also use the connection.

This Friday it is a student who gets on at Jahnstraße.

A handful of passengers get on in Geretsried “Am Stern”, most of whom get off at the town hall on the B11.

The bus doesn't even have to stop in Waldram.

A man drives to the Wolfratshausen train station – which Ventzislav Borissov reaches at 2.58 p.m. and is therefore on the dot.

The bus driver continues to Starnberg.

Intermediate stations: the Ickingen district of Dorfen and Aufkirchen in Berg.

"It is possible that the line is not always fully utilized"

On the return trip – which by the way takes 42 minutes exactly according to the timetable – the bus is initially empty.

In general, the X970 often seems to drive without passengers.

"It is possible that the line is not always fully utilized," confirms spokeswoman Peischer.

However, it is still too early for a reliable statement.

"The traffic researchers have always said that you can only say after three or four years whether the offer will be accepted." People should see that the bus drives reliably.

And in order to then permanently switch from the car to public transport, a wide variety of changes are necessary in everyday life.

"This will need time."

Passenger: Traveling by bus is much more relaxed than driving a car

From the Geretsried town hall I have at least one companion back to Tölz.

The 65-year-old, who doesn't want to read her name in the newspaper, went shopping at Karl-Lederer-Platz and is happy that she doesn't have to stand there with her two shopping bags.

"Geretsried is developing," she says.

The city will certainly benefit from the new line.

The Tölzerin travels the entire region by public transport.

"A car is no longer profitable for me," says the 65-year-old.

It works fine without it, you just have to deal with it.

And then bus travel is much more relaxed.

"You see what you wouldn't see otherwise.

You have to enjoy the little things.”

The woman with the red hair is right.

The big city of London doesn't rush past the window.

But the evening sun glitters beautifully in the cotton balls of the clematis at the side of the road.

And if you've had enough of it - in the X-Bus, the Bayern-Wlan is just a click away.

There are even USB sockets for charging.

Suzanne Weiss

With public transport to the district council meeting in Geretsried

The Greens in the district council are always committed to improving local public transport.

The new X bus lines, which have been in operation since December, are of course very popular with the group.

"Especially for the district, the fast and closely scheduled connection between Wolfratshausen, Geretsried and Bad Tölz is of immense importance for the mobility turnaround," write district council members Teresa Wimmer and Jakob Koch in a press release.

The two went to the trouble of finding the right bus connections, which would enable almost all district council members to reach the meeting next Monday, February 21, at 3 p.m. in Geretsried by public transport.

“That would be a sign if we district councilors arrived in public.

At least where possible.” In the opinion of the Greens, 42 colleagues could “travel comfortably by public transport.

In addition, with the Geretsried district councilors, almost the entire district council can come to the meeting without a car.”

Here are the Greens’ proposals for public travel to and from the country:

Bad Tölz train station: Departure of the X bus at 2:16 p.m.

Return trips possible every 20 minutes.

Wolfratshausen train station: 2.20 p.m.

Return trips possible every 20 minutes.

Lenggries: BRB departs for Bad Tölz at 1.47 p.m.

Return trips every 20 minutes possible with bus and BRB or with two buses.

Eurasburg: Departs at 2:05 p.m.

Return at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. possible.

Münsing, Am Kirchberg: Departure at 2:02 p.m.

Return trips possible every 40 minutes.

Königsdorf, town center: Departure at 2:23 p.m.

Return trips possible every 20 to 30 minutes.

Egling: departure at 2.03 p.m.

Return trips possible every 20 minutes.

Bad Heilbrunn, Birkenallee: Departure 2:06 p.m.

Return at 4 and 5 p.m. possible.

maybe

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