Complementary Public Transport Services to Improve Mobility in Rural Areas with Demand-Oriented General Public Transport Operating Models and Pilot Projects for Cross-District Express Bus Connections in Bus Transport (ErNa)
The Complementary Public Transport Services (ErNa) funding program by the Free State of Bavaria supports improving mobility in rural areas. It offers grants for flexible, demand-oriented public transport operating models and cross-district express bus connections, with a special focus on the use of clean and automated vehicles. The program aims to expand public transport accessibility and year-round travel options in all parts of Bavaria.
Who is funded: Target Groups and Geographical Coverage
The ErNa funding program is exclusively aimed at public transport authorities in Bavaria to improve mobility, especially in rural areas. The goal is to expand accessibility in public transport (ÖPNV) and ensure year-round travel options in all parts of the state. Projects located in areas with a particular need for action and/or promoting the use of clean, highly automated, or autonomous vehicles are preferred.
What is Funded: Project Types and Eligible Expenditures
The ErNa program supports the establishment and significant expansion of projects that improve mobility in rural Bavaria. This includes flexible, demand-oriented operating models in public transport as well as cross-district express bus connections. Primarily, operating cost deficits are eligible for funding, while planning and investment costs are excluded, with some exceptions for digitalization and marketing measures.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided as a grant in the form of project funding with degressive co-financing, based on operating cost deficits. The funding rate is staggered over four years and can be increased by special project characteristics. A co-payment from the public transport authorities is mandatory.
Conditions and Requirements
For funding under the ErNa program, specific conditions and requirements must be met, ranging from compliance with legal bases to operational guidelines. These include approvals under the Passenger Transport Act, compliance with European law, and certain obligations regarding data provision and public relations.
Application Procedure: Process and Decision-Making
The application procedure for funding mobility projects in rural Bavaria is clearly structured. Applications must be submitted to the locally competent government authority and must include a detailed project description as well as a cost and financing plan. Approval is granted by the government authorities, which also monitor the proper and appropriate use of the funds.
Legal Basis
The ErNa funding program is based on a specific guideline from the Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Building and Transport. This guideline and other general budgetary, European, and national laws form the legal framework for granting subsidies.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
Funding amounts to 65% in the 1st year, 55% in the 2nd year, 45% in the 3rd year, 40% in the 4th year, and thereafter 35% of the eligible expenses incurred by public transport authorities for covering operating cost deficits.
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2026
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Bavaria (Free State of Bavaria, especially rural areas)
Sectors:
Transportation and Logistics, Green Technology, Information and Communication Technology
Beneficiaries:
Public Transport (ÖPNV), Mobility, Transport
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Implementation, Service Delivery, Planning
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Building and Transport
Managed By:
competent District Government of Bavaria
Additional Partners:
Bavarian Railway Company (coordination), Federal Government (funding Deutschlandticket)
Website: