Mobility

Province gives in on transport services

In future, Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland (VBB) will concentrate exclusively on the further expansion of scheduled public bus services and in-house services for holding companies.(Bild: Schulter Christian)

The province of Burgenland and the Chamber of Commerce have agreed on a clear division of tasks in the area of transport services in Burgenland. Private hauliers are to be given a bigger slice of the cake again in the area of special and occasional services. Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland, on the other hand, will focus on the further development of scheduled bus services and the gradual expansion of the BAST call-and-collect cab system.

There was a great deal of excitement among private transport service providers when Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland (VBB) entered the cab business in 2022. A trial run bringing guests to a ball event was to lead to a rapid expansion of the service. What remained was the resentment of the private transport companies, who were worried about their business due to the competition. After lengthy negotiations, the state and the Chamber of Commerce have now agreed on a clear division of tasks.

Just as we negotiated the new craftsmen's bonus together in a constructive partnership, we have now also opened a new chapter of cooperation in the area of transport services.

Landeshauptmann Hans Peter Doskozil

Bild: LMS

New regulation comes into force in May
The new regulation comes into force in May and was negotiated at executive level, according to the Governor's office. While details will be presented in the coming weeks, the key points have already been decided: while the VBB will concentrate on the further expansion of scheduled public bus services and in-house services for holding companies, the area of special and occasional services will once again be operated by private bus and cab companies.

We have now agreed that everyone will contribute their strengths where they are most important.

WK-Präsident Andreas Wirth

Bild: LMS

VBB to concentrate on scheduled bus services and BAST
This will ensure that special trips such as excursions for schools and clubs or travel agency trips are operated by private companies. The same applies to trips to discos and balls. For large-scale events - such as the Weinfrühling - they work closely together. The common goal is to offer the best possible services for all needs. Burgenland has completely overhauled its regular bus services and, with the gradual expansion of the BAST call-and-collect cab system, has set itself the goal of becoming the province with the densest public transport network.

Chamber of Commerce pleased with joint approach
"Our main focus is on rounding off and expanding this service. That's why it's also important that we have coordinated well with the Chamber of Commerce on the division of tasks," says Provincial Councillor Heinrich Dorner. WK Vice President and bus entrepreneur Martin Horvath is pleased to have found a common path: "Public scheduled services are a matter for the state, while other individual and occasional services remain in the proven hands of private companies."