Hanover's On-Demand Mini-Bus Triumph: Sprinti Wins Prestigious Mobility Award
It's not every day that a minibus service takes center stage in the mobility sector, but the Hanover region's on-demand Sprinti service has done just that. The Sprinti service, which rolled out in twelve municipalities in the Hanover region, has bagged the German Mobility Award in Berlin, placing it in the league of the most impressive awards in the sector. The project was recognized in the "Good Practice" category, often reserved for initiatives that are highly transferable to other regions or those that make their knowledge easily accessible to the public.
The Sprinti service, which has been operating under the watchful eye of Üstra transport company on behalf of the Hanover region since August 2023, allows users to book an electric Sprinti minibus via an app. The vehicle will stop no more than 200 meters away from the passenger. The mobility prize is among the most prestigious awards in the sector, and it is doled out annually by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Regional President Steffen Krach praised the success of the project, hailing it as a significant improvement to the quality of life in the region. The SPD politician emphasized the need to continue such initiatives, with the federal government's support, to ensure that the benefits of the Sprinti service are extended to as many people as possible. According to earlier reports, the region is also planning to deploy 100 electric minibuses this year to boost local transportation.
Lower Saxony, the Hanover region's home state, is not the only region that is pioneering sustainable public transportation solutions. For instance, the Flexo minibus is already in operation in seven rural project areas in the greater Braunschweig area, demonstrating a growing trend towards eco-friendly transport solutions.
Bonus Insights:
- The Sprinti service is part of the ÜSTRA Verbundgebiet in Hanover, offering users multiple transportation options, including buses, S-Bahnen, Regionalzüge (RB, RE), and the on-demand Sprinti minibus service.
- Kombitickets, which combine public transportation tickets with event tickets, integrate public transportation into popular events, making it an attractive option for attendees.
- The use of RFID technology for inventory management and operation is becoming increasingly widespread in mobility solutions, as it improves accuracy, reduces operational errors, and expedites resource allocation.
In conclusion, the Sprinti service, while not yet widely recognized, is an innovative step towards improving public transportation in the Hanover region. The integration of RFID technology into public transportation and the success of the project in Berlin suggest that the service might be contributing positively to the region's transportation system, offering users a more efficient and flexible travel experience.
