Public transport is essential
For many people in Passau, the bus is the only way to get to work, to the doctor, to the movies, or to sports activities. Reducing service would make everyday life much harder. Shift workers may no longer get to work on time, businesses could lose employees, and care homes may struggle to staff their facilities. These are not isolated problems – they affect the entire city. Every euro invested in public transport generates three euros in economic return. [2]

Leisure time would also suffer: evening events in Munich, cinema visits, or sports classes become inaccessible without a way home. Many people don’t feel safe walking home alone at night. The impact is especially harsh on those without a car – the elderly, young people, and people with health issues. They risk losing their mobility and, with it, part of their quality of life.

Fewer buses mean more traffic jams
In a city like Passau, where traffic congestion is already a problem, more cars are not the answer. Without buses, streets will become more crowded, noisier, and more stressful. And remaining buses will be more packed – leaving less space for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.

We don’t need fewer buses – we need more, especially during peak hours and weekends. Only then can everyone get to work, leisure activities, and volunteer roles safely and reliably. Only then will Passau remain mobile and livable. That’s why it’s right for the city to subsidize public transport.

Climate action starts here
Every bus ride that replaces a car trip saves CO₂. Now, as the climate crisis becomes increasingly visible, strong public transport is more crucial than ever. In Germany, emissions from transportation are not dropping fast enough. [3] Buses are one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and improve air quality in Passau. Letting public transport collapse due to budget cuts would waste this opportunity – and we can’t afford that. Good public transport is not a luxury; it’s an investment in our future.

Act now!
Take a stand for Passau and join us in saying: No austerity at the expense of people and the environment. Let’s fight together to keep our buses running!

[1 https://vbp.stadtwerke-passau.de/busfahrplaene/fahrplanaenderungen.html
[2]https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/verbraucher/oeffentlicher-nahverkehr-kosten-leistungen-100.html
[3]https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/daten/verkehr/emissionen-des-verkehrs#verkehr-belastet-luft-und-klima-minderungsziele-der-bundesregierung