New Capitel in the Gießen Public Transportation
Gießen’s public transport network will see major changes from January 1, 2026. The city has finalised a new contract with MIT.BUS GmbH, ending years of in-house operation by Stadtwerke Gießen. The updates include expanded services, renamed stops, and route adjustments across multiple lines.
The new public service contract marks a shift in management. From 2026, the Zweckverband Oberhessische Versorgungsbetriebe (ZOV-Verkehr) and Verkehrsgesellschaft Oberhessen (VGO) will oversee operations. Several bus line bundles will now be run by newly appointed operators following a tendering process.
Bus coverage will grow significantly. Annual distance covered rises by 5%, while operating hours increase by 8%. The southern part of the city centre will gain evening, Saturday, and Sunday services. Key route changes include extensions and frequency improvements. Route 14 will now link Aulweg and the Musikerviertel to the dialysis centre in Sandfeld, running every 30 minutes. Routes 801 and 802 will double services to the Philosophikum and extend Sunday and holiday trips to Schiffenberg. The X34 line has been rerouted to serve Gießen Central Station, improving access to the Europa-Viertel district. Meanwhile, the X40 line now terminates at 'Parkhaus Lahnstraße' on the west side of the station. Three stops have been renamed for clarity: 'Friedhof' becomes 'Neuer Friedhof', 'Nahrungsberg' changes to 'Alter Friedhof', and 'Egerländer Straße' is now 'Landgraf-Ludwigs-Gymnasium'. Adjustments also affect routes 3, 12, 13, 14, 800, 801, and 802, with revised paths and schedules.
The changes take effect on January 1, 2026, under the new contract with MIT.BUS GmbH. Residents will see more frequent services, broader coverage, and updated route maps. The city expects smoother connections across Gießen and its surrounding districts.
