Two Saxon transport associations plan merger

The merger of the two Saxon transport associations Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien (ZVON) and Oberelbe (ZVOE) is moving closer. The members of the ZVON association meeting have now approved a resolution to this effect. This association is currently responsible for local public transport in the district of Görlitz and the former district of Bautzen, while the ZVOE with its transport association VVO is responsible for the former district of Kamenz and the current districts of Meißen and Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, including the city of Dresden.

In detail, the resolution stipulates that the special-purpose associations should draw up a concrete proposal by April 2025 on how the integration of the ZVON into the ZVOE could be implemented by July 2026. The negotiations are intended to ensure that the districts of Bautzen and Görlitz and the city of Görlitz have a say in the process. The merger should enable synergies in order to maintain and expand the service level of bus and rail services as much as possible, even in a larger association. In addition, a guarantee for the continued operation of the Zittau-Kurort Oybin-Kurort Jonsdorf narrow-gauge railroad is also planned.

Fusion to be supported with start-up funding

According to Transport Minister Martin Dulig (SPD), a merger will be supported with one-off start-up funding of four million euros. "The letter of intent that has now been signed is a milestone that now needs to be backed up with further concrete steps. Jointly organized public transport from Dresden to Görlitz is a benefit for all bus and rail users in eastern Saxony. It will simplify use and increase the attractiveness of public transport." His goal has always been to reduce the number of networks in Saxony and find user-friendly solutions.

Dulig sees a good role model for further mergers

"The planned merger of the special-purpose associations in eastern Saxony is economical, profitable and in the interests of us all and is a good role model for further talks on mergers in other special-purpose association areas in Saxony," emphasized the Minister. There are currently five of these associations in the Free State. In addition to those mentioned in eastern Saxony and the greater Dresden area, these are the Vogtland and Central Saxony transport associations and the Central German Transport Association in the Leipzig area.

"For the district of Bautzen in particular, the path that has now been decided is a major step towards finally abolishing the border between the two associations, which has run through the middle of the district since 2008, and thus making local public transport even more attractive for people," emphasized CDU District Administrator Udo Witschas, who is also the head of ZVON.

Meyer: The role of the special-purpose associations has changed with the Deutschlandticket

"The introduction of the Deutschlandticket has changed the role of the special-purpose associations. At the same time, the existing fare border in Upper Lusatia also poses challenges for travelers and commuters from the district of Görlitz. This would be eliminated in a joint structure," said Görlitz District Administrator Stephan Meyer (CDU). For him, it is important that the existing route network is retained and that the special features of the district of Görlitz, such as cross-border services, the Zittau narrow-gauge railroad and the Muskau forest railroad, are contractually secured.

In order to enter into negotiations promptly, the association meeting of the ZVOE must now also pass a corresponding resolution. The affected districts and the cities of Bautzen, Görlitz and Dresden must also approve the merger.