Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH
Reference Project
Depot Management System for the mixed bus fleet
Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv)
Since it was founded in 2005, Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) has been one of the largest public transport companies in Germany and is the most important partner in the Rhine-Neckar transport network. With Mannheim, Heidelberg and Ludwigshafen, it serves three large catchment areas and operates the largest contiguous meter-gauge network in the country (208 km). Around 500,000 passengers use the rnv’s 455 vehicles every day. The company is already committed to sustainability: it operates with
100% certified green electricity, and by 2032 all transport is to be powered exclusively by green electricity.
The task
Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) was faced with the challenge of modernizing and centralizing its vehicle scheduling. The previous planning with Excel lists at individual locations was no longer efficient due to increasing complexity. The aim was to coordinate operational processes across all locations, automate workflows and make optimum use of resources.
In addition, the system was intended to optimize processes at the three partners’ depots and increase cost-effectiveness. In particular, the increasing switch to electric and hydrogen buses placed new demands on dispatching, charging management, and workshop coordination. In the course of purchasing electric buses, PEAK.DMS (formerly PSItraffic/DMS) was therefore expanded to include an e-module for the new vehicles.
The solution
With the introduction of PEAK.DMS, rnv has centralized and automated its vehicle dispatching. The software controls all processes at the depots – from resource planning and maintenance to intelligent load and charging management for electric buses. Centralized 24/7 vehicle dispatching has freed up valuable capacity, optimized processes between operations and the workshop, and reduced unnecessary downtime.
PEAK.DMS ensures smooth and transparent control of all operational processes. The potential of the solution is particularly evident in the area of workshop coordination: fault reports, maintenance orders, and repairs are fed directly into the system and seamlessly aligned with operational requirements. This minimizes unnecessary downtime and ensures that vehicles are available when they are needed.
Another key advantage is its support for e-mobility. The system records charge levels, ranges, and available charging infrastructure in order to allocate routes efficiently and optimize energy consumption. Intelligent load and charging management prevents grid overloads and expensive peak loads. The integration of electric buses of different generations with varying ranges is particularly challenging – the DMS ensures that only suitable vehicles are assigned to the respective routes.
The Depot Management System has also significantly improved the allocation of parking spaces at depots. Especially during periods of high utilization, the DMS optimizes parking logistics and reduces maneuvering effort. This ensures that limited space is used in the best possible way and that operational processes are made more efficient.
“Over 450 vehicles are dispatched, maintained, cleaned and refueled at our depots every day. Many cogwheels interlock here. Keeping an eye on all relevant influencing factors and efficiently harmonizing the respective processes would not be possible without the software,
Dirk Zimmermann, project manager at rnv.
With PEAK.DMS, rnv is continuing to drive forward digitalization, increasing operational efficiency, and laying the foundation for future developments such as autonomous driving and new depots. The software also supports the goal of operating a climate-neutral fleet by 2032.
The advantages
Central scheduling: efficient, cross-location control
Automation: less manual effort, fewer errors
Optimized workshop coordination: transparent maintenance and repair planning
Intelligent charging management: Avoidance of peak loads, efficient energy distribution
Efficient parking space allocation: Reduced manoeuvring effort, better use of space
Higher vehicle availability: Less downtime, better resource utilization
Seamless integration: connection to ERP, ITCS, telematics and charging management
Future-proof: basis for autonomous driving and further digitalization
Employee satisfaction: Easier work and less effort for dispatchers
RNV in figures
Over 2,600 employees
455 vehicles in use, including 194 trains and 243 buses
Around 62,000 hectares with 93 lines over a length of 913 km
Around 167 million passengers a year
Software used
PEAK.DMS
Load and charging management
