DVB AG crisis: CDU parliamentary group submits urgent motion to secure Dresden's public transport system

DVB should continue to be one of the best public transport providers

Despite the current financial challenges, DVB AG remains a model company in a nationwide comparison. In the Customer Barometer 2023, DVB was ranked fifth out of 42 transport companies in Germany and Austria. The overall satisfaction of Dresden passengers rose again and now stands at 2.26 on a scale of 1 (completely satisfied) to 5 (dissatisfied). This is an improvement on the previous year (2.29).

The high quality of the line and route network, the comfort in the vehicles, the friendliness of the staff and the timetable information were particularly emphasized. Dresden achieved podium places for ten performance features, including six second places and four third places.

Background and impact

Public transport is a central component of mobility in Dresden. It is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to the car, especially for residents in outlying areas. However, if the route network were to be thinned out, many people could be cut off from connections, which according to the CDU would "effectively lead to a two-tier public transport society in the city". Commuters could increasingly switch to cars, which would have a negative impact on both traffic and the city's carbon footprint.

The CDU emphasizes that DVB's current financial difficulties are primarily caused by external factors such as rising costs and funding cuts at federal level. Nevertheless, it is essential that the city takes countermeasures with clear priorities and targeted measures in order to secure public transport as the backbone of urban mobility.