The service began on January 1, 2024. Shortly before that, in December 2023, the new, high-frequency CityLine (Line 299) was introduced. As a loop line, it connects, among other destinations, the university hospitals with the main train station and the large parking lot.
Bus operated by Erlanger Stadtwerke (Photo: Erlanger Stadtwerke AG)
Results of the Evaluation
Despite rising ridership on city buses and positive feedback on the CityLinie, only a few passengers used the buses because of the free downtown zone: Surveys showed
- that 81 percent of passengers hold a monthly pass valid for at least one month, including about 64 percent who have the Deutschlandticket.
- Only about six percent rode without a ticket in the free downtown zone. The implementation of the Deutschlandticket was not yet foreseeable when planning for the “Free Downtown Zone” pilot project began.
CityLine 299 is independent of this
Given these figures and the city’s current financial situation, the benefits of the measure are not proportionate to the costs. The Greater Nuremberg Transport Association (VGN) shares this view. The CityLinie (Line 299) operates independently of the free downtown zone. With the discontinuation of the free downtown zone, the regular fare will apply to the CityLinie starting January 1, 2027.
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Free public transportation in the city center
Hop on for free! Ride the buses for free in downtown Erlangen. Get around downtown Erlangen quickly and conveniently without having to search for parking. Since January 1, 2024, all bus routes within Erlangen’s free downtown zone have been offering “free rides.”
Free Line 299 (City Line)
It serves key and popular destinations in the city center, including the university hospitals. At the same time, it connects regional transit routes to the west and east.
Free public transportation in the city center
Hop on for free! Ride the buses for free in downtown Erlangen. Get around downtown Erlangen quickly and conveniently without having to search for parking. Since January 1, 2024, all bus routes within Erlangen’s free downtown zone have been offering “free rides.”
Free Line 299 (City Line)
It serves key and popular destinations in the city center, including the university hospitals. At the same time, it connects regional transit routes to the west and east.