Mobility in the Rhein-Neckar District: Regional Bus Lines, Road Construction, and Mobile Breathing Protection Training Facility in March 2026

Regional Bus Lines 750 and 798: Half-Hour Frequency from December 2026

In March 2026, the Committee for Environment, Transport, and Economy decided to continue operating regional bus lines 750 (Schwetzingen – Walldorf – Wiesloch) and 798 (Speyer – Hockenheim – Walldorf – Wiesloch), including an expansion to a half-hour frequency during peak commuting hours starting from 12.12.2026. This decision is part of the ongoing adjustments to the state's funding guidelines, which require a half-hour frequency in densely populated areas.

Operated by the transport company SWEG Bus GmbH, these lines have shown a positive passenger trend since 2023. Line 750 experienced an increase of 12 to 24 percent, and Line 798 increased by 28 to 51 percent. The stops are well connected to rail transport, and the lines are used not only by commuters but also for leisure and weekend travel.

Implementing the half-hour frequency involves additional costs: approximately 295,000 € for Line 750 and 411,000 € for Line 798 in 2027. With revenue shares at just under 50 percent, the municipal contribution from the Rhein-Neckar District also increases. The administration is tasked with ensuring the timely reapplication for funding.

Road Construction and Safety Program: Investments in Infrastructure

In the 2026 Safety and Pavement Program, three construction projects with a total volume of 930,000 € were approved:

• K 4156 Sandhausen – St. Ilgen: 455,000 €
• K 4183 near Ehrstädt: 275,000 €
• K 4279 OD Eschelbronn: 200,000 €

The measures include replacement of asphalt surface layers, renewal of binder and load-bearing layers, as well as improvements to road shoulders and drainage systems. They are part of the Subsistence Preservation Concept 2024–2028 and prioritized based on condition, traffic load, and coordination with other projects.

Additionally, the final settlement for slope stabilization on the K 4101, amounting to 730,152.02 €, was approved. These investments contribute to ensuring the long-term safety and quality of the road network in the Rhein-Neckar District.

MOBAS: Mobile Breathing Protection Training Facility Instead of a Fixed Facility

The Rhein-Neckar District has opted against planning a fixed breathing protection training facility with a breathing protection workshop and fire department training center at the Leimen site. Instead, a mobile breathing protection training facility (MOBAS) will be procured, which can be flexibly deployed at various locations. According to the plan, this saves over 10 million € compared to the original concept.

MOBAS is eligible for funding and has already been approved by the Karlsruhe Regional Council with a grant of 473,620 €. It replaces the need for fixed facilities and enables more efficient use of resources. However, the planning has been postponed to 2027/2028 due to procurement procedures. The administration will request municipalities to submit site proposals, which will be evaluated using a rating matrix.

Outlook: Mobility in Transition

The decisions made in March 2026 show how the Rhein-Neckar District is actively shaping the future of mobility. The expansion of public transport services, investments in infrastructure, and the shift to flexible solutions in fire protection reflect the challenges of modern urban regions.

The regional bus lines contribute to reducing individual traffic and making local transport more attractive. The road construction projects ensure traffic quality, and the MOBAS planning demonstrates that innovation and efficiency are also key in safety matters.