Callheinz service in Schweinfurt and Kitzingen

In rural areas in particular, the frequent provision of local public transport is a major challenge. Demand is much lower than in urban areas, and mobility needs are too diverse to be met by regular bus services. Nevertheless, an attractive local transport offer is of course desirable for municipalities to be able to guarantee a good quality of life for all. The districts of Schweinfurt and Kitzingen have jointly taken on this task and developed a mobility-on-demand concept in collaboration with Nahverkehr Mainfranken GmbH. Padam Mobility was entrusted with the technical implementation.

The Demand-Responsive Transport "callheinz" service has been operational since May 2023. Passengers can hop on and off at a total of 266 stops in the two counties. In addition to regular public transport stops, passengers now have access to additional virtual stops that make Demand-Responsive Transport much more accessible. However, "callheinz" is not a competitor to the existing public transport service. The Padam Mobility solution provides an optimal link between existing regular transport services and on-demand transport. For example, users cannot book if a regular bus is available at the same time.

Payment can be made directly via the callheinz app, in cash or electronically to the driver, with fares based on regional public transport fares. Tickets with a chosen itinerary and a fixed duration are accepted for a flat fee, while the Deutschlandticket, for example, allows the holder to use the service free of charge.

The "callheinz" service operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and bank holidays. rides can be booked free of charge via the app, the website or phone.