HEAG mobilo

What HEAG mobilo does

HEAG mobilo GmbH is a municipally-owned public transport operator headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, owned by HEAG Holding (a state of Hesse entity). Founded in 1886 as part of the HEAG group, the company is the largest public transport provider in South Hesse and serves the Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg region with an integrated mobility portfolio combining fixed-route buses and trams, on-demand shuttles, airport express service, micromobility, and carsharing. It operates a fleet of 66 trams and approximately 100 buses (two-thirds of which are electric, with full diesel phase-out planned by 2030 excluding the AirLiner) and carries roughly 150,000 daily passengers totaling 49.9 million annual trips. The company also operates the HeinerLiner on-demand ride-pooling service, the AirLiner express shuttle to Frankfurt Airport, and runs the KIRA research project testing Level-4 autonomous shuttles in partnership with Deutsche Bahn, RMV, and kvgOF.

The business model is anchored on a 15-year exclusive public service contract (ÖDA) for bus transport, supplemented by fare revenue from tickets and subscriptions (Deutschlandticket at €63/month, Schülerticket, single and day tickets, AirLiner surcharges), employer-subsidized Jobticket programs (71 corporate subscribers), and ancillary mobility revenues from carsharing and micromobility partnerships (Bolt e-scooters and e-bikes in Darmstadt, Weiterstadt, and Griesheim). Distribution is multi-channel: three physical service centers (Luisenplatz, Hauptbahnhof, Lincoln-Siedlung), the HEAG mobilo iOS/Android app, ticket machines at stops, onboard bus sales, and the eTicket Rhein-Main chip card system integrated with the RMV tariff network. Technology differentiation centers on accessibility-focused passenger information systems (FIZ project with E-Paper displays and text-to-speech at info pillars), the mobiSmart passenger flow measurement system using anonymized mobile device data, and the KIRA autonomous shuttle pilot. The company reported a 2025 operational deficit 10% below plan while maintaining full service delivery.

Customers are primarily regional commuters and residents of Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg, segmented into general public/commuter riders, students (Schülerticket), corporate employees via Jobticket programs, airport travelers (AirLiner), and on-demand users (HeinerLiner, KIRA). Service quality is reinforced through 125+ years of brand heritage, a recognizable yellow fleet, and integrated RMV network membership. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer channels (service centers, app, ticket machines, onboard sales) with a sales-led B2B motion for Jobticket subscriptions managed by a dedicated account manager.

Name

HEAG mobilo

Legal name

HEAG mobilo GmbH

Website

https://heagmobilo.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1886

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

HEAG mobilo GmbH is the largest public transport operator in South Hesse, owned by HEAG Holding (state of Hesse), serving the Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg region with an integrated network of 66 trams, ~100 buses (two-thirds electric), on-demand shuttles, airport express, micromobility, and autonomous pilots, carrying ~150,000 daily passengers under a 15-year public service contract.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transport

NAICS

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (485)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Transit Bus Operators (Municipal/Regional) (TLAFAAAI)

Keywords

• Public bus transport
• Tram operations
• On-demand shuttle
• Airport express service
• Integrated urban mobility

Headquarters

HQ city

Darmstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Fare Revenue: Revenue from ticket sales including Deutschlandticket subscriptions, single tickets, day tickets, weekly and monthly passes, and student tickets
2. Public Transport Contract: Contractual revenue from ÖDA (Öffentlicher Dienstleistungsauftrag) for bus transport in the region for the next 15 years
3. AirLiner Surcharge: €3.80 surcharge per ride on the airport shuttle service from Darmstadt to Frankfurt Airport
4. Deutschlandticket Sales: Monthly subscription tickets at €63 per month; over 128,000 total subscriptions since launch, plus 5,000 starter cards and 136,000 Hessenpass mobil subscriptions

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HEAG mobilo operates fixed-route public bus and tram transport services in Darmstadt and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, supplemented by the HeinerLiner on-demand ride-pooling shuttle, the AirLiner express airport shuttle to Frankfurt Airport, and integrated multimodal services including e-scooter/bike rental via Bolt and carsharing. The company sells tickets, subscriptions (Deutschlandticket, Schülerticket, Jobticket), and employer job ticket programs through service centers, a mobile app, ticket machines, and onboard sales, serving approximately 150,000 daily passengers.

Product overview

HEAG mobilo operates an integrated public transport system combining fixed-route buses and trams with on-demand, shared, and micromobility services. The core offering is the conventional bus and tram network of 66 trams and around 100 buses serving Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg. This is supplemented by the HeinerLiner on-demand shuttle (ride-pooling without fixed routes) and the AirLiner airport express to Frankfurt Airport. Digital access is via the HEAG mobilo App for ticketing and real-time trip planning. The portfolio also includes subscription tickets — notably the Deutschlandticket, Schülerticket, and employer-subsidized Jobticket — all managed via the eTicket Rhein-Main chip card system. Micromobility (Bolt e-scooters and e-bikes) and carsharing complement the offering for first-mile/last-mile connectivity. Passenger-facing digital information is delivered through E-Paper displays, info steles, and an accessibility-focused passenger information project (FIZ). The KIRA research project trials autonomous Level-4 on-demand shuttles in select areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HeinerLiner: On-demand shuttle service operating in Darmstadt without fixed routes or timetables, serving the entire city area
• AirLiner
• TINA
• Line 3A
• mobiSmart

Products and services

• HEAG mobilo Bus & Tram Network Fixed-route public transport network of buses and trams serving Darmstadt and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district. Moves approximately 150,000 passengers daily with a fleet of 66 trams and around 100 buses (two-thirds electric), operated from depots and a traffic control center.
• HEAG mobilo App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling ticket purchase, real-time trip planning, and live departure information. Supports digital payments via card, smartphone, and smartwatch.
• HeinerLiner On-Demand Shuttle On-demand ride-pooling shuttle service covering the entire Darmstadt city area without fixed routes or timetables. Booked via app or phone; operates as a complement to the fixed-route network, serving areas and time slots where conventional lines do not run. As of May 2026, available Monday-Thursday 16:00-24:00, Friday from 16:00 through 05:00 Saturday, Saturday 09:00-05:00, Sunday 09:00-01:00.
• AirLiner Airport Express Shuttle Express airport shuttle service connecting Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof to Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 in approximately 30 minutes. Operates with modern double-decker buses every 30 minutes; requires a €3.80 surcharge per ride. Features free Wi-Fi, luggage space, wheelchair accessibility via mechanical ramp, and cashless payment options.
• Deutschlandticket Subscription Monthly subscription ticket (€63/month) granting unlimited travel on all regional and local transport across Germany, including buses, trams, subways, and regional trains. Not valid on long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) or private operators. Auto-renews monthly; cancellation by the 10th of the month for end of that month.
• Schülerticket Hessen Discounted student ticket valid for school pupils in Hesse, offering reduced-price travel within the RMV network. Sold as a subscription with the eTicket Rhein-Main chip card.
• Deutschlandticket Job / RMV-Jobticket Premium Employer-subsidized job ticket programs offering the Deutschlandticket or RMV premium job ticket to company employees at discounted rates, funded substantially by employers. 71 companies subscribed as of 2025. Contact via B2B Account Manager Simon Ritzert.
• eTicket Rhein-Main Electronic ticket system (eTicket) operated jointly with all participating transport companies in the Rhein-Main transport association (RMV). Stored on chip cards and managed through the verbundweites Hintergrundsystem (vHGS) network-wide background database. Supports personalized tickets, time-based passes, and the Deutschlandticket.
• E-Paper Passenger Information Display (FIZ) Energy-efficient electronic paper display tested at replacement stop 'Pützerstraße'. Shows real-time departure times, schedules, tariff information, and area maps. Features sunlight-readable screen, accessibility buttons with integrated voice output, remote management capability, and low power consumption.
• KIRA Autonomous On-Demand Shuttle Research project (KI-basierter Regelbetrieb autonomer On-Demand-Verkehre) testing Level-4 autonomous driving in on-demand shuttles. Operates in Langen, Egelsbach, and northern Darmstadt. Registered test users ride free of charge. Over 1,000 registered users as of 2025. Partners: DB, RMV, kvgOF.
• Bolt Micromobility (E-Scooters & E-Bikes) Electric micromobility fleet (e-scooters and e-bikes) provided in partnership with Bolt. Available in Darmstadt (350 e-scooters), Weiterstadt (170 e-scooters + 40 e-bikes), and Griesheim (150 combined). Vehicles can be used across municipal boundaries to connect with public transit stops.
• Carsharing Service Carsharing service offered in partnership, concentrating on outer-city areas (Wixhausen, Kranichstein, Waldkolonie, Heimstättensiedlung, Eberstadt, Ludwigshöhviertel). Fleet exceeds 200 vehicles as of 2025.
• Line 3A Shuttle Service Shuttle line connecting Ludwigshöhviertel to the tram network. Uses two former HeinerLiner minibuses running every 20 minutes on weekdays, serving over 700 residents. Temporary solution pending approval of planned tram extension.
• Service Center & Mobility Centers Physical service locations offering ticket sales, subscription sign-up, mobility advisory, and lost & found. Locations include the Kundenzentrum at Luisenplatz (Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-13:00), RMV Mobility Center at Hauptbahnhof, and Mobility Center at Lincoln-Siedlung (Franklinstraße 40, Tue/Thu 13:00-18:00, Wed 8:00-13:00).

Quantifiable outcome

• 49.9 million passengers transported annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BoltcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Micromobility partnership providing E-scooters and E-bikes. 350 E-scooters in Darmstadt, 170 in Weiterstadt, 130 in Griesheim. Expansion to cross-municipal use between Darmstadt, Weiterstadt, and Griesheim.
• KIRA Project Consortium (DB, RMV, kvgOF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Autonomous on-demand shuttle project (KIRA - KI-basierter Regelbetrieb autonomer On-Demand-Verkehre) testing Level-4 autonomous vehicles in Langen, Egelsbach, and northern Darmstadt since June 2025. Over 1,000 registered users.
• RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransport association partnership for eTicket Rhein-Main system, RMV Mobility Center operations, and coordinated regional transport network.
• Nieder-Ramstädter DiakonieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial partnership repurposing fabric from decommissioned ST12 trams into bags and pillow covers for public distribution.
• StadlercoreTechnology or IntegrationOngoing collaboration on TINA tram fleet including vibration reduction and certification improvements. Working on approval processes for the tram system.
• DADINA (Darmstädter Diagnostik)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal transport coordination partner for tariff information at stops and mobility services.
• Wissenschaftsstadt DarmstadtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial mobility service provider for the city of Darmstadt, partnering on urban development projects including Lincoln-Siedlung and Ludwigshöhviertel.
• Landkreis Darmstadt-DieburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobility service provider for the entire district, expanding services to surrounding municipalities including Weiterstadt and Griesheim.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB): KVB operates Cologne's Stadtbahn (light rail), buses, and on-demand services as a municipal public transit company. It shares HEAG mobilo's integrated mobility model combining trams, buses, and demand-responsive transport within a regulated German municipal-ownership framework, though at significantly larger scale.
• BOGESTRA Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen: BOGESTRA operates trams, buses, and on-demand services in the Ruhr area cities of Bochum and Gelsenkirchen as a municipal transit company. It shares HEAG mobilo's combination of tram + bus operations, municipal ownership structure, and integration within a regional tariff association (VRR), making it a relevant peer for mid-sized German municipal transit operators.
• ÜSTRA Hannoversche Verkehrsbetriebe: ÜSTRA operates Hannover's Stadtbahn (light rail), buses, and on-demand services (Sprinti) as a municipal transit operator. The Sprinti autonomous on-demand shuttle makes ÜSTRA a direct comparable for HEAG mobilo's KIRA autonomous shuttle project and HeinerLiner on-demand operations, in addition to fixed-route bus/tram services.
• KVG Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft: KVG is the municipal public transit operator for the city of Kassel and surrounding region, operating buses, trams (RegioTram), and on-demand services. It is the closest comparable to HEAG mobilo in terms of city size served (~200,000 inhabitants vs. Darmstadt ~160,000), service mix (fixed-route bus + tram + on-demand), and municipal-ownership structure.
• Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen (SSB): SSB operates Stuttgart's Stadtbahn, buses, and on-demand services (SSB Flex). As a municipal transit operator in a German state capital with similar service offerings (light rail + bus + on-demand), SSB is a direct comparable for HEAG mobilo's integrated urban transit operating model.
• Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft (DVG): DVG operates Duisburg's urban transit (U-Bahn, trams, buses) and has been piloting autonomous on-demand shuttles in the Ruhr area. As a municipal transit operator in a similar-sized German city that has also invested in autonomous mobility trials, DVG is comparable to HEAG mobilo for both fixed-route operations and emerging autonomous shuttle deployment.
• VGF Frankfurter Verkehrsgesellschaft: VGF operates Frankfurt's U-Bahn, trams, and buses within the same RMV tariff network as HEAG mobilo. While significantly larger, it shares the same regulatory framework, integrated tariff association (RMV), and operating geography in the Rhine-Main region, making it the most relevant regional peer for benchmarking urban transit operations in Hesse.

Regional players

• rnv Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr: rnv operates tram, bus, and on-demand services across the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region (Mannheim, Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen). As the neighboring regional transit operator to HEAG mobilo's territory within the broader Upper Rhine region, rnv is directly comparable for intermodal transit services, tariff association integration, and regional cross-border service design.

Broad incumbents

• BVG Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe: BVG operates Berlin's U-Bahn, trams, buses, and ferries as the largest municipal transit operator in Germany. While operating at a much larger scale, BVG shares HEAG mobilo's integrated multi-modal urban mobility model under municipal ownership and is Germany's most prominent benchmark for German municipal transit operations.
• MVG Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft: MVG is the municipal public transit operator for Munich, operating U-Bahn, trams, and buses. While far larger in scale, MVG shares the same municipal-ownership model and integrated urban mobility mandate as HEAG mobilo, making it a useful incumbent benchmark for German municipal transit operating practices and integrated mobility offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HEAGmobilo
• Facebookfacebook.com/heagmobilo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heag-mobilo
• Instagraminstagram.com/heag.mobilo
• Xx.com/HEAGmobilo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HEAG mobilo