Stories from Neu-Wied · Germany

The city of Neu-Wied is holding a vote today regarding a proposal to offer free bus travel on Saturdays. The initiative aims to make public transit more attractive and support local retail and gastronomy in the city center. The free service would also apply to specific event days, such as the Dachstadtfest or the Currywurst Festival. Funding for the initiative would come from increased downtown parking fees, which were raised for the first time in 14 years. One hour of parking will now cost 1.20 Euro. Similar free Saturday bus services already exist in Fillingen, Schwenningen, and Reutlingen. Officials suggest the move could bring approximately 10,000 additional passengers into the city every Saturday. The initiative aims to improve bus services using 5 million euros generated from increased parking fees in Tömingen and other areas.