Local transport plan

Update of local transport plan

The city of Aachen independently updated its Local Transit Plan (NVP) for the third time in 2025. The corresponding city council resolution was adopted on November 19, 2025.

The NVP provides the framework for the intended development of public transport in Aachen in the coming years. It describes the key framework conditions and objectives as well as the quality standards for local public transport. The target concept is based on a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and deficiencies.

The overarching goal for the further development of public transportation in Aachen is to influence mode choice in favor of local public transportation and eco-friendly travel options. Through gradual improvements to service offerings, combined with a consistent expansion of infrastructure to speed up public transit, passenger numbers are to be gradually increased toward the target of a 30% rise. This reclassification is currently being reviewed as part of a transition to a combined bus and light rail system.

The target concept goes beyond simply expanding the route network or increasing frequency. The focus is on optimized connections, barrier-free infrastructure, intelligent linking of different modes of transport and modern digital information and sales services. The local transport plan shows development prospects for this and, as a set of plans, forms the basis for necessary infrastructure measures and service improvements.

Status of the line network report

The city of Aachen had the bus route network examined by an external expert. Following the design of two rough variants, it became clear that the targeted passenger growth of 30 percent would not be nearly achieved. As a result, politicians instructed the administration to adapt the terms of reference.

In a rough scenario analysis - detached from the previous results - it was estimated under which conditions an increase in passenger numbers of 30 percent could be achieved. This analysis represents a maximum variant that is clearly in the future. It takes into account a far-reaching system change, for example through streetcar and bus priority axes, the inclusion of the entire commuter areas in the city and region as well as a settlement structure and spatial development geared towards this.

For a more short-term perspective, a third rough variant was also developed with a focus on portfolio-oriented network adjustments. This does not involve any further system changes. The measures are based on the current network and aim to generate the highest possible passenger growth on this basis.

The results will be presented to policymakers in the fall of 2026.

Status of barrier-free expansion of bus stops

Local public transport must be accessible for everyone. The city of Aachen is therefore upgrading its approximately 1,000 bus stop edges to make them barrier-free according to a priority list.

To ensure barrier-free access to buses, bus stops must have sufficient kerb height, be accessible without steps and have sufficient space for movement. Details can be found in the local transport plan. All ASEAG buses are now equipped with low-floor technology and have a fold-out ramp. For visually impaired people, the bus stops are equipped with a tactile guidance system in the form of floor indicators.

By the end of 2025, 16.4 percent of all bus stop curbs had been fully adapted to be accessible. In addition, roughly the same proportion of bus stop curbs can be classified as partially accessible: These bus stops already have a raised curb for barrier-free boarding and alighting, but do not yet have tactile guidance elements. They were built before 2013, when tactile guidance elements were not yet standard.

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