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The deregulation of line-haul bus service:
A green light for longdistance
bus service
Due to a legal prohibition on competition, German Rail had the right of way for line-haul service
for the longest time. With the approval of long-distance bus service, this is now changing, and a new
and very interesting market is opening up for bus operators. SetraFamily took a close look at the
European market and is pleased to introduce four operators who are successful with their longdistance
services and with Setra.
T
he parliamentary factions’ bill from
September 2012 was clear: “Linehaul
bus service is as of now open.
In the future, long-distance bus line service
is possible everywhere in Germany and it
may also compete with long-distance rail.”
The change in law represents the end of the
Deutsche Bahn’s monopoly which lasted for
over 70 years. Rail travel will nonetheless
continue to benefit from a certain level of
protection, since bus operators can only
offer their passengers service for routes of at
least 50 kilometres or one hour of travel time.
The deregulation of line-haul bus service
enhances freedom of choice for the mobile
target group who now has another possible
means of transportation, along with cars,
trains and planes. And, since line-haul bus
service tends to be less expensive, longdistance
travel is now more accessible for
travellers on a budget. The Association of
German Bus Operators estimates that up to
100 mid-sized bus companies will be entering
this new segment.
The environment may also benefit from the
change. Long-distance bus routes represent
a clear step towards more resourceefficient
mobility. Bus travel, even when
used at 40 %* capacity, delivers superior
environmental performance, comparing
very positively with train, car or plane travel.
With today’s high fuel prices, bus travel
offers an environmentally friendly and costefficient
alternative. Long-distance bus
services may also result in less congestion
on highways, as travel by car is reduced.
Setra coaches are already being deployed
very successfully on several long-distance
routes. And with good reason. Operators
are capitalising on low fuel consumption,
superior comfort and an outstanding security
concept for both drivers and passengers.
The fact that Setra is ideally positioned
to support long-distance operators in bringing
their business concepts to life with
high-level flexibility and expertise in customised
equipment also plays a key role.
Operators now have an opportunity to
make their offering even more attractive to
specific target groups. And the extensive
range of services and assistance available
to bus and coach operators only adds to
the appeal. With over 600 service centres
in Europe, OMNIplus is the largest bus-specific,
manufacturer-owned service network
for Setra and Mercedes-Benz buses and
coaches. In emergency situations, longdistance
service operators can count on
quick and highly qualified help along their
routes. SetraFamily took a look at Luxembourg,
France and Germany, and is pleased
to introduce some long-distance service
operators who are already capitalising on
the many benefits Setra touring coaches
deliver.
*Source: IFEU 2009