Münster expands electric bus rollout to private operators with new e-bus deployment, full electrification targeted by 2029

Private operators in Münster, Germany, are beginning to deploy electric buses, with Erfmann Reisen and Reisedienst Bils introducing new vehicles into service.

The electrification of public transport in Münster is extending beyond the municipal operator, as partner companies contracted by Stadtwerke Münster start integrating battery-electric buses into their fleets.

The development adds to an existing electric fleet of 97 vehicles out of 120 operated directly by Stadtwerke, with full electrification targeted by 2029.

Partner operators enter electric transition phase in Münster

Seven partner companies operate approximately 90 additional buses on behalf of Stadtwerke Münster. Two of these operators have now initiated electrification projects, the Stadwerke announces.

Erfmann Reisen, based in Altenberge, is introducing eleven articulated electric buses. Reisedienst B. Bils, based in Telgte, is deploying two standard 12-metre electric buses. Both companies are operating the vehicles on routes across the Münster urban network.

The buses introduced by both operators are Mercedes-Benz eCitaro models. The vehicles are equipped with roof-mounted batteries and are reported to achieve a minimum operating range of 250 kilometres.

Erfmann Reisen has commissioned a new depot facility in Altenberge, including an e-bus carport equipped with 20 fast chargers. The infrastructure is located near the B54 corridor and supports the operation of the new electric fleet.

The project has received funding amounting to €3.256 million under the German federal programme supporting alternative drives in passenger transport. The scheme is financed by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMV), with additional resources provided through the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) under the EU’s NextGenerationEU framework. Programme coordination is managed by NOW GmbH.

Reisedienst B. Bils has also received financial support for vehicle procurement from the City of Münster.

In addition to depot-based charging, partner operators have access to charging infrastructure installed at terminal points across the Münster network. These facilities enable opportunity charging using renewable electricity supplied within the municipal system.

Stadtwerke Münster has been operating electric buses since 2015 and provides operational support to partner companies introducing battery-electric vehicles, including adjustments to maintenance and service processes.

Further vehicle orders are planned for 2026, involving both Stadtwerke Münster and an additional partner company. The electrification programme therefore continues to expand across both municipal and contracted operations.