German Local Public Transport Conference 2026 in Koblenz

One of the speakers at this high-profile three-day event is Dr Dirk Boenke, long-standing Head of the “Transport and Environment” division at STUVA in Cologne. His presentation is entitled “Accessible bus stops: aspirations, planning reality and the consequences – improving quality and the efficient use of resources”. Dr Boenke contributes to the development of technical standards within various committees of the German Road and Transportation Research Association (FGSV) and the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), focusing on pedestrian traffic, public transport and accessibility. For many years, he has also provided training for planners and safety auditors in the field of accessibility, covering streetscapes, public transport systems and open spaces.

As a recognised expert in accessible transport, Dr Boenke is well aware that good intentions do not necessarily result in good outcomes. In practice, refurbished stops often show recurring deficiencies which, due to long infrastructure renewal cycles, remain in place for many years, sometimes decades. A typical example is the planning and construction of bus stop boarders (“Kaps”), where the kerb cannot be approached in a straight line by buses because overhangs have not been taken into account or entry and exit lengths are incorrectly designed. Even at the still commonly used standard kerb height of 18 cm, damage to both kerb and vehicle occurs on a regular basis. As a consequence, drivers tend to approach the kerb with a safety margin, effectively undermining the objective of step-free access. Dr Boenke’s presentation will identify the key problem areas and stimulate discussion on how human and financial resources can be deployed more efficiently.

With up to 40 exhibitors, more than 130 presentations and around 900 registered participants, the conference offers a wide range of thematic focal points alongside an innovative combination of presentations and exhibition formats. Companies and start-ups are given the opportunity to present their products and ideas to a broad professional audience and engage in direct exchange. Many participants have been attending the event for years, while at the same time it continues to attract a significant number of new faces.

At the German Local Public Transport Conference, dialogue and exchange are firmly at the forefront. Panel discussions, the relaxed and collegial atmosphere, and not least two social evening events at the end of the conference days all contribute to a strong sense of community. It is therefore no surprise that the event is often referred to as “the family gathering of the public transport sector”.