Mobility in Aachen: Timetable Changes, School Streets, and Infrastructure in Focus

Mobility in Aachen: Timetable Changes, School Streets, and Infrastructure in Focus

In the second half of 2026, Aachen achieved a milestone in its transport policy. Numerous measures to optimize public transport, improve traffic safety, and promote climate neutrality were decided. Particular focus was placed on the planned timetable change in September 2026, the implementation of permanent school streets, and investments in barrier-free and climate-friendly infrastructure.

Timetable Changes and Public Transport Optimizations

The planned timetable change at the beginning of September 2026 will bring the first concrete decisions. Line 50 will in the future operate as a demand-responsive shuttle (ALT) every 60 minutes to serve the Brand industrial park, while Line 73 will be intensified to a 15-minute frequency between 15 and 18 o’clock. At the same time, Line 30 will lose two afternoon trips due to low demand.

Another highlight is the introduction of Line X52, an express shuttle between Aachen University Hospital and Aachen Bus Station. The travel time will be reduced by five minutes, which is particularly beneficial for commuters and patients. In addition, a direct connection to the Rursee lake was decided on, with hourly services from Monday to Friday and every two hours on Saturdays.

School Streets and Traffic Experiments

In the area of school streets, Aachen set a clear focus on safety and sustainable mobility. Permanent school streets were decided for four primary schools, with the order of implementation based on demand and participation in the Mobility Week 2024. A criteria catalog was developed to systematically evaluate future applications.

A pilot project at the GGS Brühlstraße demonstrates how such measures can be concretely implemented: the variant with a closed side entrance area was selected and will be tested for approximately 12 months. The goal is to protect pedestrian traffic and reduce traffic on the street.

Infrastructure and Climate

The city continues to invest in barrier-free and climate-friendly transport infrastructure. For example, the bus stop "Laurensberg Church towards the city center" has been barrier-free upgraded, with tactile guidance elements and boarding platforms. The Roermonder Straße also received new cycling measures, including protected cycle lanes and safety separation strips.

In the field of climate adaptation, Aachen is relying on decentralized stormwater management solutions, including basin systems and flood retention basins. In addition, the information campaign "Knowledge about Water" and mobile flood protection systems are strengthening citizens' self-preparedness.

Funding and Support

The implementation of the measures is financially secured. Many projects are covered by the framework program PSP (Project Management Framework), with a funding rate of 100% for barrier-free public transport measures. The costs for the summer timetable in 2026 were approximately 11,600 EUR, and the annual costs for lines SB71 and OL1 amounted to nearly 867,000 EUR.

Conclusion

The measures of the past two months show that Aachen has been active on several levels: from expanding public transport to securing children's mobility to investing in a climate-friendly and barrier-free infrastructure. The planned timetable changes and school streets are not only symbols of greater sustainability, but also concrete steps toward a livable and traffic-safe urban life.