STOAG sales revenues continue to rise

Ticket sales and passenger development
Last year, STOAG earned EUR 25 million from the sale of tickets, an increase of 2,4% compared to the previous year. Reasons for this lie in the tariff increase of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr August 1 the transport charges were increased by an average of 2009%, and in the introduction of the all-day electronically controlled front entry at STOAG. 

The sales figures for single tickets (+ 9,5%) and day tickets (+ 6,9%) as well as for time tickets (Ticket 1000 + 10,9%, Ticket 2000 + 4%) have developed positively. There was also growth in the subscription variants for Ticket 1000 and Ticket 2000. The time trial cards in the 9 o'clock version have decreased. 

The number of passengers fell from 40 million to 39,1 million. In addition to the decline in population in Oberhausen, the decline in the number of schoolchildren also plays a role, because the schoolchildren in Oberhausen are still the largest customer group. In training traffic, journeys decreased by 3,3%.

Operating profit
In the 2010 financial year, STOAG achieved sales revenues and income of EUR 31,2 million. This was 0,47% below the comparable figure for the previous year (EUR 31,3 million). 
The expenses for 2010 amounted to EUR 53,6 million and were 2,3% above the previous year's figure. The largest item at EUR 24,3 million is personnel expenses. As a result of the increased diesel price, expenses increased by 13% to EUR 4,9 million. 
Income from investments and securities totaled EUR 15,2 million, 14% less than in the previous year. This results in a remaining financing requirement of EUR 7,2 million. 

Operating performance
The operating performance of STOAG in Oberhausen and the neighboring urban areas decreased slightly in 2010 and, at 9,89 million commercial vehicle kilometers (Nwkm), was 1,7% below the previous year's figure of 10,07 million Nwkm. Influencing factors were, on the one hand, the effects of the reduction in supply in the summer of 2009 due to budget consolidation, and on the other hand, the start of the night network, which was relocated to 23 p.m.

The highlights of 2010

Electronic entry control
Since April 1, 2010, STOAG has been practicing all-day controlled front entry. While the tickets were checked visually by the drivers in the first ten weeks, electronic reading devices took over the checking of tickets with chip cards from June 15th. The acceptance of the electronic control system by passengers and drivers is high. The initially increased boarding times due to the unfamiliar use of the control devices have been put into perspective. As expected, vehicle revenues developed positively and increased by 18% between June and December. The number of passengers without a ticket has halved.

Night network
With the timetable change in June 2010, the start of the night network was changed from 21 p.m. to 23 p.m. This was preceded by a Council decision in December 2009, with which the measures introduced in the summer of 2009 in the night network were to be partially withdrawn. In parallel to the later use of the NachtExpress buses, the central rally at Sterkrade station was reintroduced. Together with the (smaller) rally at the main train station, there are two central transfer points in Oberhausen. By configuring the lines, many parts of the city can also be reached after 23 p.m. via various routes every 30 minutes.

Video protection systems in buses
In order to meet the increased security needs of customers and drivers, 53 STOAG buses have been equipped with video protection systems. In August 2010, the first video protection systems were installed in 36 buses; the 17 new vehicles that were delivered at the end of 2010 / beginning of 2011 have identical systems. Video protection systems are suitable to raise the inhibition threshold for property damage and verbal and non-verbal arguments.

Bus procurement 2010
13 solo buses and four articulated buses from the manufacturer EVO-Bus, type Citaro, were ordered in 2010 and delivered in December 2010. Like all STOAG buses, these vehicles are also equipped with air conditioning and folding ramps, TFT monitors provide up-to-date passenger information, and video cameras ensure passenger safety. The new buses are the first vehicles with the Blue Angel eco-label in STOAG's fleet, which on December 31.12.2010, 139 comprised a total of 6 buses and 15 trams. 124 vehicles have now been sold, so that the bus fleet currently comprises XNUMX vehicles. 

The new vehicles sustainably meet STOAG's quality standards of transporting passengers in an environmentally conscious, safe and comfortable way with economical and ecological vehicles. Thanks to the continuous modernization of the bus fleet, STOAG now has one of the most modern bus fleets in the VRR. In the last three years, more than 10 million euros have been invested in a total of 37 new vehicles; the average age of the bus fleet is five years.

Photovoltaic system
Two photovoltaic systems on the roof of the workshop and the administration with a total of 2261 polycrystalline solar panels feed energy into the public grid. Despite the snowy winter, the total yield of around 2010 kWh in 440.000 is in the same order of magnitude as in the previous year and corresponds to the forecast yields. 

The plans for 2011

New line network and punctuality promise
A new line network will be introduced in Oberhausen on June 12th. At the same time, STOAG made a punctuality promise. This means that customers who experience a line delay of more than ten minutes will be reimbursed the price of a single ticket. Some transport companies in the VRR have already had positive experiences.

New buses
In the summer, the STOAG vehicle fleet will be rejuvenated by eight new solo buses, the average age of the buses will drop below five years. This means that there are no longer any vehicles with a red sticker in the STOAG fleet. With its vehicle fleet, STOAG is prepared for the measures currently being discussed as part of the clean air plans. Two hybrid buses that were ordered in 2010 are expected at the end of the year. This means that STOAG is also opening up to the topic of alternative drive technology.

Internet relaunch In autumn, STOAG will present itself with a new website that is not only graphically young and modern, but also offers users convenient and fast information options.