Ludwigsburg (dpa/lsw) - The Association of Baden-Württemberg Bus Companies (WBO) is demanding more financial support from the public sector in order to be able to cope with the consequences of the high diesel prices. "There is no state-wide regulation," criticized managing director Witgar Weber on Friday in Ludwigsburg. Some counties have recognized the issue. Elsewhere, the companies are petitioners. In many cases, public bus transport is provided by private companies on behalf of the districts.
Weber regretted that there was no nationwide solution to the issue. The Ministry of Transport had repeatedly referred to the responsibility of the districts. The WBO executive said: "The ticket prices are set by the public authorities." The bus industry cannot simply pass on the increased costs. The ticket prices would certainly have to rise if you only wanted to maintain the current offer. If this is not the case, the offer must be reduced.
If local transport in the country were to be expanded as planned, the state would also have to provide the funds for this, said Weber. The industry, with around 9,000 drivers in the southwest, complains about a lack of young people. "The drivers are in an emergency." Training costs are very high. In Germany, a bus driver's license costs 10,500 euros and lasts one year. In Austria, on the other hand, you only have to pay 3,500 euros and then you have the corresponding driving license in your pocket after eight weeks.
