Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH

What Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH does

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH (WEB) is a regional bus operator and wholly-owned subsidiary of DB Regio Bus Nord GmbH, itself part of Deutsche Bahn AG. The company delivers scheduled public bus services, on-demand (Rufbus) transport, and charter bus (Mietbus) services across the Weser-Ems region of Lower Saxony and Bremen, operating under four regional transport association tariff systems (VBN, VEJ, VNN, VOS) and integrated with the national Deutschland-Ticket and the Wohin·Du·Willst mobility app. Its service portfolio spans commuter routes, school transportation, the Urlauberbus Ostfriesland tourist service (1 Euro per ride), and seasonal leisure services such as Freizeitbus Uelzen.

The business model is anchored on long-term Verkehrsverträge (public transport contracts) tendered by municipalities and overseen by LNVG, supplemented by ticket revenue, subscription products, and direct charter sales. The recently secured 10-year Landkreis Uelzen contract (August 2026 – July 2036) covers approximately 2.95 million vehicle kilometers per year, including around 201,000 km of on-demand services. A new joint venture through MOIN extends operations into Landkreis Lüneburg from January 2026. Technology is largely operational: eTicketing, Rufbus booking, WhatsApp-based disruption communication, and automated passenger counting sensors on 122 buses in the ZVSN region.

Fleet modernization is in execution, with €9.2 million in NBank funding (90% of acquisition cost) supporting 18 new electric buses for Uelzen from mid-2027 and E-bus deployments in Holzminden from April 2025. The company maintains service centers across Aurich, Bremen, Emden, Emsland, Jever, Leer, Oldenburg, Osnabrück, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Norden/Norddeich, Rotenburg, and Verden, and is registered with its mailing address at the shared DB Regio Bus Nord headquarters in Hamburg.

Name

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH

Legal name

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH

Website

https://weser-ems-bus.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH is a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary operating regional bus services across Lower Saxony and Bremen under long-term public transport contracts, serving commuters, tourists, and schoolchildren through multiple transport association tariff systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Bus Transportation Services

NAICS

Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (48521), Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (485210), Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (4852), Charter Bus Industry (485510)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Rural/Small-Town Public Bus Operators (TLAFAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Intercity Bus Franchises/Concessionaires (Public Service Contracts) (THAIADAG), Intercity Coach Fleet Operations & Management Contractors (TLAFAFAJ), Intercity Bus Feeder & First/Last-Mile Connector Operators (Scheduled) (THAIADAJ)

Keywords

• Regional bus services
• Public transport operations
• Scheduled bus routes
• On-demand transport
• Tariff association services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Public Transport Ticket Sales: Revenue from sale of tickets including single rides, day passes, monthly passes, annual subscriptions, and the Deutschland-Ticket (58 Euro/month) through various sales channels including buses, apps, and service centers
2. Public Transport Contracts: Operating contracts with public transport authorities (Verkehrsverträge) for regional bus services. The company operates under long-term contracts with municipalities and transport associations, such as the 10-year contract for Landkreis Uelzen (2026-2036) covering approximately 2.95 million vehicle kilometers per year
3. Charter/Mietbus Services: Rental bus services for private groups, available at Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH locations: Bremen, Emden, Oldenburg, and Osnabrück. Data from contact forms is transmitted to partner bus companies for fulfillment

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH operates regional scheduled bus transport services across the Weser-Ems region in Lower Saxony and Bremen under multiple transport association tariffs (VBN, VEJ, VNN, VOS). The company provides on-demand Rufbus services in rural areas, charter bus (Mietbus) rentals for groups, and leisure/tourist services including the Urlauberbus Ostfriesland and Freizeitbus Uelzen, with ticket sales via the Wohin-Du-Willst app, DB Navigator, and regional service centers.

Product overview

Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH (WEB) operates as part of DB Regio Bus Nord, providing regional bus services across Lower Saxony and Bremen, including Weser-Ems region, Osnabrück, and East Frisia. The company offers a portfolio of core mobility services including scheduled bus routes under multiple tariff systems (VBN, VEJ, VNN, VOS), the Urlauberbus Ostfriesland tourist service (1 Euro per trip), and the Freizeitbus Uelzen seasonal leisure service. Digital offerings center on the Wohin·Du·Willst app for ticket purchasing, journey planning, and real-time information, with integration to shared mobility platforms (SIXT share, MILES, TIER, MOIA, BlaBlaCar). Subscription products include the Deutschland-Ticket and regional subscription offerings, while demand-responsive services include Rufbus and charter bus options. The company is expanding toward electric bus deployment with funding approved for 18 E-buses in Landkreis Uelzen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Urlauberbus Ostfriesland: Vacation bus service in East Frisia offering rides for 1 Euro per person per trip, serving multiple destinations in Aurich, Friesland, Leer, Wittmund, and Ammerland districts plus Emden and Wilhelmshaven cities.

Products and services

• Urlauberbus Ostfriesland Tourist bus service operating 365 days per year in East Frisia (Ostfriesland), offering travel for 1 Euro per person per journey with a Kur- or Gästekarte (guest card) to various attractions across Aurich, Friesland, Leer, Wittmund, Ammerland districts and Emden/Wilhelmshaven cities. Targets tourists and leisure travelers visiting the Wadden Sea region.
• Freizeitbus Uelzen Leisure bus service operating from May 1 to October 31 on weekends and holidays, connecting passengers to excursion destinations in Landkreis Uelzen with bicycle transport capability and group travel options. Targets leisure travelers and weekend excursionists.
• Deutschland-Ticket Nationwide monthly subscription ticket for 58 Euro valid on all public local transport (2nd class), cancellable monthly. Available through the Wohin-Du-Willst app and various transport association apps. Targets daily commuters and frequent travelers across Germany.
• PlusBus OstFriesland (Ihlow) New scheduled bus services in the municipality of Ihlow (Landkreis Aurich) launched as part of traffic area tendering, with new routes and buses forming an improved service offering for passengers in East Frisia.
• Landkreis Uelzen Public Transport Service Regional public bus transport services under a 10-year contract with Landkreis Uelzen (2026-2036), covering approximately 2.95 million vehicle km annually, including scheduled routes, on-demand Rufbus services, and dedicated school transportation. Targets residents and commuters in Landkreis Uelzen.
• Rufbus (On-Demand Bus) Service Demand-responsive transport services in rural areas without regular bus lines, bookable via app or phone. Data is forwarded to partner taxi companies (e.g., Taxi Tamms, Taxi Peters, Taxi 4000) for service delivery. Targets rural residents in Lower Saxony.
• Charter Bus (Mietbus) Service Rental bus services for private groups, available at Weser-Ems-Bus locations in Bremen, Emden, Oldenburg, and Osnabrück. Bookings are submitted via contact form and data is forwarded to partner bus companies for fulfillment. Targets event organizers, group coordinators, and travel planners.
• Nachteulen (Night Owl Services) Night bus services including N61 (Emden-Oldersum-Warsingfehn-Leer) and N62 (Bunde-Tichelwarf-Wehner-Leer-Ihrhove). Currently suspended due to closure of nightclub Fetenscheune in Leer. Targets late-night travelers and weekend leisure passengers.
• Wohin-Du-Willst App Comprehensive mobility app for ticket purchasing, journey planning, real-time information, digital travel companion with offline mode, eTicketing, and Rufbus booking capabilities. Integrates with multiple transport networks across Germany and shared mobility platforms (SIXT share, MILES, TIER, MOIA, BlaBlaCar). Targets individual travelers across Germany.
• WhatsApp-Kanal Verkehrsmeldungen RBB Uelzen WhatsApp communication channel for traffic disruption alerts in the RBB Uelzen area, targeting school bus traffic and improving communication for families. Available from August 2026 with the new Landkreis Uelzen contract.
• E-Bus Fleet for Stadtverkehr Holzminden Two E-busco electric buses deployed in city transit Holzminden as part of fleet modernization, making local public transport emission-free. Features include 38 seats, full air conditioning, USB ports, free WiFi, turning assistant, and rearview camera.
• KIELIUS Airport Bus Airport bus service (KIELIUS) running on an hourly schedule from Kiel to Hamburg Airport for travelers in the Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg region.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2.95 million vehicle kilometers operated annually under new Landkreis Uelzen contract
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Landkreis UelzencoreOthersLandkreis Uelzen is the public transport authority that awarded Weser-Ems-Bus (via RBB) a 10-year traffic contract (Verkehrsvertrag) for regional bus services from August 2026 to July 2036, covering approximately 2.95 million vehicle kilometers annually.
• Verkehrsverbund Bremen-Niedersachsen (VBN)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVBN is the primary transport association for the Weser-Ems region covering Bremen and parts of Lower Saxony. Weser-Ems-Bus operates under the VBN tariff system, and tickets can be purchased through VBN's app and distribution network.
• Verkehrsverbund Ems-Jade (VEJ)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVEJ covers the Ems-Jade region. Weser-Ems-Bus operates under the VEJ tariff system, and the VEJ sells Deutschland-Tickets through the Wohin-Du-Willst app.
• Verkehrsgemeinschaft Nordost Niedersachsen (VNN)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVNN is a transport association covering northeastern Lower Saxony. Weser-Ems-Bus operates under the VNN regional tariff.
• Verkehrsgemeinschaft Osnabrück (VOS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVOS covers the Osnabrück area. Weser-Ems-Bus operates under the VOS tariff, and customers use the VOSpilot-App for route planning and ticketing.
• Taxi Companies (Taxi Tamms, Taxi Peters, Taxi 4000)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOn-demand bus (Rufbus) services in Dithmarschen region are coordinated with partner taxi companies: Taxi Tamms (Heide), Taxi Peters (Marne), and Taxi 4000 (Meldorf). Customer contact form data is forwarded to these taxi companies for service delivery.
• MOIN Mobilitätsinfrastruktur und -betriebs GmbH Landkreis LüneburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOIN is a new municipal transport company for Landkreis Lüneburg established January 2026. RBB operates bus services for MOIN as part of a joint venture with irro, providing regional bus transport in the Lüneburg area.
• Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG)coreOthersLNVG is the state-level public transport authority for Lower Saxony that oversees and funds regional transport contracts. They coordinated rail replacement service during construction work and are the supervisory authority for RBB.
• Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus NorddeichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Urlauberbus Ostfriesland service, offering joint promotions including seal pup sponsorships as a marketing initiative. Weser-Ems-Bus sponsors the seal station as part of tourism promotion.
• DB Regio AG / Deutsche Bahn AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeser-Ems-Bus is a subsidiary of DB Regio Bus Nord, which is part of DB Regio AG within Deutsche Bahn AG. This provides brand association, technology integration, ticketing platforms (DB Navigator, Wohin-Du-Willst), and corporate governance.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Verkehrsgesellschaft VOS-Regional mbH: Regional bus operator in the Osnabrück area operating under the VOS tariff that Weser-Ems Busverkehr also serves; directly comparable contracted regional bus service with overlapping geographic footprint.
• Regionalbus Braunschweig GmbH (RBB): Sister DB Regio Bus Nord subsidiary operating regional bus services in the Braunschweig region; directly comparable contract-based bus operations under VBN/VRR/VSN tariff structures and the same DB Regio Bus Nord umbrella.
• Autokraft GmbH: Sister subsidiary of DB Regio Bus Nord, operating regional bus services in Schleswig-Holstein under similar Verkehrsverträge and tariff integration; shares parent group, branding, and operating model with Weser-Ems Busverkehr.
• Haller Busbetrieb GmbH: Another DB Regio Bus Nord subsidiary operating regional bus services in the Haller (Ostwestfalen) area; same parent group, same contracted public bus model, same ticketing integrations.

Regional players

• Omnibusverkehr Franken GmbH (OVF): Regional bus operator in Franconia (Bavaria) under DB Group through Regionalverkehr Oberfranken; comparable German regional bus operation model with similar contract and tariff structures.
• moBiel GmbH: Public bus operator for the city and district of Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia; comparable contracted urban/regional bus service under the WestfalenTarif, demonstrating the German municipal contracted bus operator model.
• Verkehrsgesellschaft Bremerhavenbus GmbH: Municipal bus operator in Bremerhaven within the broader VBN service area where Weser-Ems-Bus also operates; comparable urban/suburban bus services under regional tariff integration.

Broad incumbents

• ÜSTRA Hannoversche Verkehrsbetriebe AG: Major Hannover-based public transit operator (bus and light rail) under the GVH tariff in Lower Saxony; comparable bus services in an overlapping state, though broader urban-focused portfolio.

Others

• Regensburger Verkehrsverbund (RVV): Transport association/operator coordinating bus services in the Regensburg region; comparable as a German regional public transport ecosystem in which contracted bus operators (similar to Weser-Ems-Bus) deliver services.
• Verkehrsverbund Bremen-Niedersachsen (VBN): Transport association that sets the VBN tariff under which Weser-Ems Busverkehr operates; comparable as a coordinating body rather than operator, but critical counterpart in defining Weser-Ems-Bus's commercial environment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/weser-ems-busverkehr-gmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Weser-Ems Busverkehr GmbH