TÜV: Many buses on the road with technical defects
Many buses on German roads have defects. However, according to TÜV, this is not the main reason for accidents.
(Image: MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH)
- Andreas Wilkens
According to a TÜV analysis, almost one in four buses on Germany's roads has technical defects. According to the TÜV Omnibus 2024 report, which is available to heise online, 14.1 percent of buses tested in the past two years failed their main inspection because they had significant or dangerous defects. This corresponds to an increase of 2.4 percentage points compared to the 2022 report.
The experts found "minor defects" in a further 10.5 percent (up 0.9 points) of buses. According to TÜV, the most common defects include defects in the lighting, which affected 3.8% of vehicles, and oil leaks in 5.1%.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 6,200 bus occupants were injured in road accidents last year, compared to 5,627 in 2023. The highest number since 2013 was recorded in 2018 with 6,415 injuries. 84,628 buses are currently on German roads and are on average 8.3 years old.
Neglected seat belt obligation in long-distance transport
2640 buses have an electric drive; according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, they mainly operate for municipal companies. According to current procurement plans, this figure is set to rise to 8,000 by 2020, writes the TÜV association. However, the German government has canceled the e-bus subsidy, which could stall the transformation to more e-buses.
"After a decline during the coronavirus pandemic, the defect rates are back to the old level – despite a slightly lower mileage," said Richard Goebelt, Head of Vehicle and Mobility at the TÜV Association. Many buses that were taken out of service during the pandemic are now back in use and are showing weaknesses typical of their age. According to him, however, buses are very safe means of transport.
In the case of bus accidents in Germany, it is not so much technical defects as the human factor that plays the decisive role. One of the TÜV's criticisms is that the obligation to wear seat belts in coaches and long-distance transport is too rarely checked. Around 58,600 main inspections of local and long-distance buses were evaluated for the "Bus Report".
(anw)