Ever wondered about the intricate network of buses crisscrossing Franconia? Let’s explore Omnibusverkehr Franken. OVF isn’t just a bus company. It’s a vital thread in the fabric of Franconia and beyond.
Founded on August 8 1988 OVF inherited the contracts and concessions of the Deutsche Bundesbahn’s Nuremberg rail bus division. Imagine the logistical challenge of taking over such a vast operation. It began operating as a public transport service provider on October 1 1988. Before OVF’s inception the Deutsche Bundespost and Bundesbahn handled most long-distance bus services. This legacy explains why you still hear “Postbus” and “Bahnbus” in some regions. OVF is part of the DB Regio Bus business field within the DB group.
OVF’s reach is impressive. It services a large part of Franconia’s regional bus traffic. It also covers the Neumarkt district in the Upper Palatinate. That’s a lot of territory. Think about the planning coordination and sheer number of routes required. They boast approximately 250 lines and around 1000 buses. Only 282 are actually owned by OVF itself. The rest are subcontracted.
From 2008 to 2019 OVF operated under the name DB Frankenbus. You can still find older branding around. However today it’s unequivocally OVF. The transition involved changing signage on all the buses and updating information materials.
OVF has three main branches: one in Middle Franconia based in Nuremberg-Langwasser another in Upper Franconia in Coburg and a third in Lower Franconia in Gemünden am Main. Each has numerous support points spread across the region.
OVF isn’t just about routes and numbers though. It’s about people. The company employs about 550 people. These employees connect 39 districts and independent cities. This is a considerable workforce. Think of the skill and dedication needed to manage such a complex operation.
OVF’s fleet is equally diverse. It includes regional buses from brands like MAN Mercedes-Benz Setra Neoplan Irisbus and Van Hool. These buses are predominantly low-floor or LE construction. They even had around 159 buses running on natural gas at one point.
Today OVF continues to be an integral part of the transportation network of Franconia and beyond. It’s a testament to its enduring relevance. The next time you see an OVF bus remember this story. Remember the history the dedication the sheer scale of the undertaking. It’s more than just a ride it’s a connection to a region its people and its history.