Cross-location Depot Management
Insights into the digital transformation of one of Germany's largest bus companies
Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein GmbH (VHH), which has been operating under the brand name vhh.mobility since 2024, is setting standards for a sustainable mobility future. With over 105 million passengers a year, almost 2,900 employees and around 800 buses at 17 locations, vhh.mobility is one of the largest municipal bus operators in Germany. The ambitious goal: in the 2030s, the entire fleet is to consist exclusively of battery-electric buses – charged with 100% green electricity.
Digitalization as the key to the mobility transition
To achieve this goal, vhh.mobility is investing not only in new depots and charging infrastructure, but above all in the digitalization of its operational processes. A key element is the cross-location depot management system (EDS), which is specially tailored to the requirements of e-mobility. Together with the PEAK.DMS depot management system from Peak Mobility GmbH and the charging management system from
In the past, bus assignments were often managed manually, using Excel lists or even analog methods. This was error-prone, time-consuming, and not very transparent. Today, the new EDS provides a centralized, automated, and cross-depot solution that bundles all relevant information and efficiently manages the scheduling of around 800 buses at 13 depots.
Smart scheduling thanks to data integration
A particular challenge is the steadily growing proportion of electric buses—currently around 280 out of 800 vehicles, and the trend is rising. The EDS ensures that the right buses are selected for each route, taking into account requirements such as vehicle type, speed, and special equipment features.
Ein echtes Highlight: Die Anbindung an die Urban-Data-Plattform (UDP) der Stadt Hamburg. Mithilfe von Luftqualitätsprognosen, Verkehrsdichte und Lärmbelastung werden besonders emissionsbelastete Linien identifiziert. Das System priorisiert dann automatisch den Einsatz von E-Bussen auf diesen Strecken – ein aktiver Beitrag zu besserer Luftqualität in der Stadt.
Efficiency through networking and transparency
The integration of workshop management and load management ensures smooth processes: dispatchers can see at a glance which vehicles are ready for use, which need maintenance, and what the load status is. This minimizes idle time, reduces sources of error, and gives the team more time for important decisions, especially in stressful situations.
Employee acceptance is high: “The first few hours of the morning, which used to be very stressful, are now much more relaxed,” reports one dispatcher. The workshop teams also appreciate the new transparency and simplified processes.
Conclusion: Ready for the future
vhh.mobility impressively demonstrates how digitalization and e-mobility can go hand in hand. The new depot management system is a key component on the road to a fully electric bus fleet—and a model for the mobility transition in Germany.
