How can public transport be made more attractive in rural areas?
The nationwide model project "harzbewegt," which is funded with 13 million euros by the federal government and the state of Saxony-Anhalt, addresses this question. The Harz district, in collaboration with local transport companies and the Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH, aims to explore new mobility solutions by 2025. The goal: to encourage people – both tourists and locals – to rethink their transportation choices and inspire them to embrace public transport. Whether it's digital student tickets in credit card format, a specially developed app, or contactless payment in buses – harzbewegt offers a wide range of innovations. Be ready to be surprised.
Since the Harz district is responsible for organizing public transport, Department IV has taken the lead for the "harzbewegt" project.
Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH is advancing, among other things, contactless payment and Wi-Fi on buses.
Halberstädter Verkehrs-GmbH has been in operation for over 120 years and is now becoming even more digital.
Public transport in the district also includes the Harz narrow-gauge railways, which are particularly popular with tourists.
The Harz vacation ticket (HATIX) is included in the guest fee of participating locations. This allows guests to use buses and trams in the Harz for free.
Travel through the Harz district in modern buses – soon you will be able to pay cashless and use free Wi-Fi on board.
The tram in Halberstadt always has priority, made possible by smart traffic light control systems.
You can find all the information about public transport in the Harz in the "harzbewegt" app, including connection searches and real-time updates.
Whether you're traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or e-scooter, young or old – the public transport system is there for everyone. And the services should be easy to understand and clearly visible.
Achieve more in the network
In addition to the Harz district and the participating transport companies, numerous other firms and institutions are involved in the "harzbewegt" project – from the Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and Harz AG to the Harz University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer IAO, as well as service providers for app development and communication. They all gathered on April 15, 2024, at Hotel Villa Heine in Halberstadt to network and exchange ideas.