- Two Saxon transport associations plan to merge
The merger of the two Saxon transport associations Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien (ZVON) and Oberelbe (ZVOE) is drawing closer. The members of the association assembly of ZVON have now approved a corresponding resolution. So far, this association is responsible for public passenger transport (ÖPNV) in the district of Görlitz and the former district of Bautzen, while ZVOE with its transport association VVO is responsible for the former district of Kamenz and the current districts of Meißen and Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge, including the city of Dresden.
In detail, the resolution provides that the purpose associations should work out a concrete proposal by April 2025 on how the integration of ZVON into ZVOE could be implemented by July 2026. The negotiations should ensure the right of the districts of Bautzen and Görlitz as well as the city of Görlitz to have a say. The merger should enable synergies to maintain and expand the performance level of bus and rail services in a larger association. Furthermore, a guarantee for the continued operation of the narrow-gauge railway Zittau-Kurort Oybin-Kurort Jonsdorf is provided, among other things.
Fusion to be supported with start-up funding
According to Transport Minister Martin Dulig (SPD), a merger with a one-time start-up funding of four million euros will be supported. "The now signed declaration of intent is a milestone that must now be followed by further concrete steps. A jointly organized ÖPNV from Dresden to Görlitz is a win for all users of bus and rail in East Saxony. It will simplify use and increase the attractiveness of ÖPNV." His goal has always been to reduce the number of associations in Saxony and find user-friendly solutions.
Dulig sees a good example for further mergers
"The planned merger of the purpose associations in East Saxony is economically and beneficial in our common interest and is a good example for further discussions on mergers also in other purpose association areas in Saxony," emphasized the minister. Currently, there are five such associations in the Free State. In addition to those mentioned in East Saxony and the Greater Dresden area, these are the transport associations Vogtland and Mittelsachsen as well as the Mitteldeutsche Verkehrsverbund in the Leipzig area.
"In particular for the district of Bautzen, the now decided path is a big step towards finally abolishing the boundary of the two associations that has been running through the district since 2008 and thus making public transport even more attractive for the people," emphasized CDU district administrator Udo Witschas, who is also the head of ZVON.
Meyer: With the Germany ticket, the role of the purpose associations has changed
"With the introduction of the Germany ticket, the role of the purpose associations has changed. At the same time, the existing tariff boundary in the Oberlausitz also presents challenges to travelers and commuters from the district of Görlitz. This would be eliminated in a joint structure," said the Görlitz district administrator Stephan Meyer (CDU). It is important to him that the existing route network is retained and the particularities of the district of Görlitz, such as the cross-border traffic, as well as the Zittau narrow-gauge railway and the Muskau forest railway are contractually secured.
In order to enter into negotiations promptly, the association assembly of ZVOE must also pass a corresponding resolution. In addition, the affected districts and the cities of Bautzen, Görlitz and Dresden must agree to the merger.
The merger process will involve the integration of ZVON into ZVOE, affecting areas such as Görlitz. This integration is expected to enhance synergies and maintain the performance level of bus and rail services in a larger association.
The support for the merger includes a one-time start-up funding of four million euros, as proposed by Transport Minister Martin Dulig, with the aim of promoting a jointly organized ÖPNV from Dresden to Görlitz.
