After the first few months, the company is reporting positive results: WiMobil is working well and is becoming increasingly popular. Since operations began in mid-December, ESWE Verkehr has completed around 600 trips and is seeing a steady stream of bookings. 

Currently, the on-demand shuttle operates within a clearly defined service area in Biebrich between the Biebrich/Hammermühle Cemetery (Zone A) and the town center and Wiesbaden Ost Station (Zone B). From the outset, the concept focused on ensuring simple and convenient use for passengers, particularly when booking.

Passengers come from all walks of life, ranging from schoolchildren and working professionals to senior citizens. Notable is the growing proportion of people who regularly book their trips in advance. App-based booking has clearly established itself as the standard: it is used reliably and functions smoothly. The alternative option of booking by phone has so far played a minor role. 

Andreas Kowol, Head of Transportation and Chairman of the Supervisory Board at ESWE-Verkehr, is pleased with the initial interim results of the new service and emphasizes: “With the new on-demand service, we will be able to respond even better to the specific travel needs of public transit users in the future. This is because there is strong demand for both the new route offered by WiMobil between Friedhof or Hammermühle and Wiesbaden Ost Station, as well as for trips within Zone A that were previously not possible.”

A key customer benefit of WiMobil compared to many other nationwide on-demand services: there are no additional costs. The service is fully integrated into the existing fare structure and can be used with all regular tickets, including the Deutschland-Ticket. There are no surcharges or flat-rate transportation fees. Tickets can also be purchased cashlessly directly in the vehicle and then seamlessly used for connecting trips on public transit.

Another plus is the high availability: WiMobil can also be booked on short notice and spontaneously. Passengers can select the “immediate” option in the app and are usually picked up within a few minutes—for example, at Hammermühle or the Biebrich Cemetery.

Marion Hebding, Managing Director of ESWE Verkehr, is open to expanding on-demand transportation in Wiesbaden: “WiMobil is a good example of modern public transit: flexible, easily accessible, and resource-efficient.”

However, ESWE Verkehr is still in the early stages of on-demand transportation. The locally limited service primarily serves to gather targeted experience and further develop the system during ongoing operations. The insights gained form the basis for the next step: an expansion of the service is planned as part of the scheduled route network reform in the summer of 2027.