Bus with batteries approved for use in Marburg, following approval from University of Giessen
The city of Marburg, located in the picturesque Lahn hills, has been planning the implementation of the Battery Overhead Bus (BOB) project since 2021. This innovative electric bus system, where the bus's battery draws energy from an overhead line, is considered the most climate-friendly alternative for future public transport operation in the region.
The project, which involves the conversion of bus lines 7 and 27, with the construction of a approximately 9.7-kilometer-long, two-lane, partial overhead line facility, has an investment volume of around 45 million euros. The Gießen Regional Government approved the construction of the BOB system in Marburg less than two years after the city council submitted the application.
However, a recent development has put the project on hold. The federal funding for the BOB Marburg project has been cancelled, making the implementation currently financially impossible. The city is now waiting for a relaunch of the federal funding program to fully utilise the approved planning permission valid for five years.
Regional Government President Dr. Christoph Ullrich presented the plan approval decision for the BOB Marburg project to Marburg Mayor Dr. Thomas Spies at the Marburg town hall. Mayor Spies suggests waiting for the re-launch of the funding program within the special assets infrastructure fund at the federal level.
For those interested in staying updated on town hall and city life matters, subscribing to the newsletter of the University City of Marburg is a great option. Information on the development of the BOB Marburg project can be found at www.bob-our-website.
The city council's resolution regarding the re-launch of the funding program is on the agenda of the first city council meeting after the summer break on August 29. The plan approval decision for the BOB Marburg project is valid for five years and can be extended by a further five years upon application.
The federal government has funded the measure with around 1.8 million euros, and the necessary planning and investigative services for the BOB Marburg project were awarded after a Europe-wide tender in 2021. The BOB Marburg project is a significant step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly public transport system in Marburg, and the city hopes for its successful implementation in the near future.
