Since 4 June, tickets on city buses have once again been available directly from the driver.
Due to protective measures in connection with COVID-19, Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) and its subsidiary MIT.BUS had to react quickly and make some changes to local public transport services. Following timetable changes, the buses have been running according to the regular timetable again since mid-May. Only the Saturn and Venus night bus routes are not operating until further notice. It is now possible to buy tickets directly from the bus driver again.
In order to protect staff and passengers, the option of purchasing tickets on the bus had to be suspended for the time being. "This change was not easy for our passengers. Especially because other points of sale, such as the mobility centre, also remained closed. We are impressed that passengers quickly adapted to the new situation and purchased tickets online," says Anne Müller-Kreutz, Head of Local Transport Services at SWG.
Despite the relaxation of the official regulations, it is of course important to continue to protect everyone on the bus in the best possible way. This is why MIT.BUS is equipping its buses with Plexiglas screens in front of the driver's cab until mid-June. These should minimise the risk of infection.
Regular service resumes
"We would like to thank our passengers for their flexibility and understanding," explains Anne Müller-Kreutz. And adds: "Especially for the fact that our regular customers have held on to their ticket subscriptions, even though they have only made limited use of local transport". Also worth mentioning: the vast majority of passengers behave in an exemplary manner and always wear a face covering. This is an important rule that applies on all buses until further notice.
Regular ticket checks are also part of normal local transport operations. A multi-member RMV service team is on the road again - not only to check tickets, but also to answer any questions passengers may have about the current situation. In particular, passengers will also be informed about the regulations relating to COVID-19 and, if necessary, asked to wear a face covering.
Many points of contact
Tickets are now available again at all the usual points of sale: at the SWG mobility centre, at Tabak Wagner in Giessen station, at Papeterie Westbrock in Wieseck and directly from the driver. Of course, there is also still the convenient option of purchasing tickets via smartphone. Passengers can find information on purchasing tickets online at www.swg-verkehr.de.
In addition, the staff at the mobility centre can also be contacted by email at mobizentrale@stadtwerke-giessen.de as well as in person from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by telephone on 0641 708-1400. Further information on timetables and fares: RMV hotline on 069 24248024 or at www.rmv.de