achievement of VGI's newMIND project's successful culmination

achievement of VGI's newMIND project's successful culmination

Savvy Street Wisdom / News Flash / Urban Motion

VGI newMIND: A Modern Leap for Public Transportation in IngolstadtThe VGI newMIND project marked a substantial advancement in the transport transition of Ingolstadt, with over 50 innovative measures enhancing the regional and urban public transportation system. The three-year project concluded at the end of 2024. Here's a recap.

Ingolstadt and the Verkehrsverbund Großraum Ingolstadt, VGI, were part of a dozen nationwide public transportation model projects. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and project carrier Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) for three years, VGI newMIND started at the beginning of 2022. Short for Mobility, Innovation, Sustainability, and Digitalization, newMIND aimed to modernize public transportation.

Recently, the project's official closure event took place in Ingolstadt. Guests were treated to a glimpse of the innovations now transforming the region's public transportation offer. There was also a captivating panel discussion on "The Future of AI in Public Transportation: Navigating Budget Constraints."

VGI board member Dr. Robert Frank underscored, "We are eternally thankful to the Federal Minister of Transport and his team for enabling us to finance several pioneering public transportation projects through the VGI newMIND funding. I truly hope that we can continue to advance public transportation in the future with federal government and state funds, pushing the transport transition forward in the region."

Flexi-Buses: A Revolution in Motion

The introduction of VGI Flexi-Buses served as a turning point for public transportation, arriving just in time. This on-demand offer is now accessible around the Klinikum Ingolstadt, Scheyern, Baar-Ebenhausen and Karlskron, Eichstätt district.

The new passenger counting system aboard buses was instrumental. It automatically tallies passengers boarding the bus and relays the number to the Ingolstadt control center, offering real-time insights into passenger numbers. This information assists transport companies and VGI in understanding demand, adapting routes, and streamlining costs.

Customers also gain valuable perks from this data—real-time passenger occupancy updates in the VGI app. These updates help passengers plan their transit by showing the occupancy of a bus in advance, so they can choose a bus with fewer passengers if preferred.

Stepping Up Digital Information Systems

Since late 2023, passengers have enjoyed digital passenger information systems at numerous stops in the network area. Customers can now utilize the latest generation of ticket vending machines and sales points in the network area as well.

A ride-sharing app from our partner goFLUX was another excellent addition, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient transportation alternative for the region. Ideally, connections are presented at public transportation via defined mobility hubs or nodes.

Since late June 2024, the VGI has given customers the option to purchase tickets at the best possible price with the FAIRTIQ digital ticket app. This app eliminates concerns about fare zones and price levels by automatically calculating the correct fare and capping costs at the price of a daily ticket when boarding.

Short intervals, swift travel times—the VGI newMIND funding project made it happen: Within the mobility initiative, lines 21 (Audi-Sportpark) and those connecting Mailing and the clinic were extended to a ten-minute interval (line 70).

Elevating Nighttime Transportation

Within the VGI newMIND funding project's framework, night lines N1 to N5 were expanded, and a 30-minute interval was introduced in the Ingolstadt city area between 21:00 and 00:15. The new express bus line X90 now offers a direct connection for the Interpark, the Ingolstadt municipal utilities, the Continental company, the Audi plant, and numerous other companies along the route.

Line 58 was extended starting in September 2023 as part of another funding measure, creating a direct connection between Ingolstadt Central Station and the clinic. Furthermore, the urban line 22 will be extended via the Interpark to Kösching.

The VGI newMIND funding project also paved the way for innovative research collaborations: The Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI) and the Catholic University of Ingolstadt-Eichstätt (KU) partnered with the VGI in the field of AI-related research for public transportation analysis and optimization.

Those interested can find an overview of some of the individual measures on vgi-newmind.de. The latest news about the VGI can be found on vgi.de, along with ticket purchasing options.

In addition to the regular newsletter and numerous press releases, VGI's information channels have also expanded. The transport association publishes essential news almost daily on social media.

1. The innovative measures implemented through the VGI newMIND project, such as the Flexi-Buses and digital passenger information systems, are not only transforming the local transportation industry but also have implications for the broader technology sector, as advancements in AI and data usage are at the heart of these improvements.
2. As the finance sector continues to fund and support projects like VGI newMIND, it underscores the importance of investing in future-focused solutions such as advanced public transportation systems, which in turn bolsters the economy and encourages sustainable growth across various industries, including transportation and technology.

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