On-Demand Service: Friedrich Arrives in Greifswald

"Friedrich" is the name of the new, initially two-year limited on-demand service of the Greifswald Transport Company, which has been enhancing the public transport system in the Hanseatic and university city since March 2. The name honors the city's globally significant artist son, Caspar David Friedrich – the so-called "carriages" that are used – three MAN TGE with diesel engines – are adorned with the modified motif "Greifswald Market Square" by the famous early Romantic painter and are eye-catching in themselves.

The MAN TGE equipped with ramps can accommodate up to six passengers, and the transportation of walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers is possible. Additionally, up to two bicycles can be transported on a bike rack. According to information from the responsible Greifswald public utilities, e-vehicles that are both suitable for transporting wheelchairs and equipped with a trailer hitch for bike transportation were not available on the market.

"As the operator, it is now our primary task to bring traffic efficiently and reliably to the streets and to establish "Friedrich" as a permanent part of the local public transport system in the long term. With a group of motivated drivers, we are well equipped for this," said Henrik Umnus, Managing Director of Verkehrsbetrieb Greifswald GmbH.

The barrier-free MAN shuttle buses are intended to better connect the outskirts of the city and seriously compete with individual car usage. Without a fixed schedule or fixed route, "Friedrich" serves around 250 virtual stops throughout the city. During the day (Mon. to Thu. 5-21 hrs, Sat. 6-21 hrs, Sun./Holidays 9-18:30 hrs), the shuttles operate in the districts of Friedrichshagen, Wieck/Ladebow, Stadtrandsiedlung, Groß Schönwalde, and temporarily also in the Ostseeviertel Parkseite. From 21:00 hrs onwards (Mon. to Thu. 21-24 hrs, Fri./Sat. 21-2 hrs, Sun./Holidays 18:30-24 hrs), they also operate throughout the entire city area.

The on-demand shuttles can be booked via the "Friedrich-App" (available for download in the App Store or Google Play Store) or by phone. Registration and specifying the payment method are required for this. You can choose between credit card, PayPal, or SEPA direct debit; cash payment is not possible. Afterwards, the desired connection (start and destination) can be selected. The app then shows the way to the next stop and the departure time. Since "Friedrich" serves as a supplement to public transport, the app prioritizes traditional buses as the means of transport for the same route.

There are three tariffs to choose from: "Basic," "City Bus," and "Comfort" – for "Basic," which also entitles the holder to a single ticket for connecting public transport use for up to 60 minutes, the base price is 2.10 euros. The "City Bus" tariff is valid for all holders of a time ticket from Greifswald transport (day ticket, weekly ticket, monthly ticket, subscription card, student pass, for the Azubiticket MV, the DB connection ticket, as well as for the future Deutschlandticket) and "Comfort" for all trips where a public transport offer is available.

For all three tariffs, a surcharge of 2 euros is due for journeys up to 5 km. For journeys over 5 km, a surcharge of 3 euros for the driver is added. The transportation of a bicycle costs 2 euros. When booking for several people, fellow passengers receive a 50% discount on the Basic and City Bus tariffs. Children up to 5 years old travel for free, and children aged 6 to 14 travel at half price. Severely disabled passengers are transported free of charge in accordance with legal regulations.

The "Friedrichs" can be booked either for immediate travel or up to seven days in advance.