Meet the BUS2BUS Advisory Board: Kai Neumann

Kai Neumann, Deputy Managing Director, German Bus & Coach Operators Association (bdo), has represented the interests of private and medium-sized bus companies in Germany for many years. Drawing on his in-depth knowledge of political and regulatory frameworks, he is working to strengthen the bus as a climate-friendly, forward-looking means of transport. As a member of the BUS2BUS Advisory Board, he is driving forward the future of the industry.

1. In your opinion, what developments are currently having the greatest impact on the bus and mobility industry?

The industry is undergoing profound change, driven by technological, social and political developments. Digitalisation is a key driver, opening up new opportunities for planning, operations and customer communication. Digital platforms, real-time data and networked systems allow public transport to be managed more efficiently while improving the user experience.

At the same time, electromobility and alternative drive systems are facilitating the transition to climate-friendly mobility, with many companies already investing in modern fleets and the necessary infrastructure.

Additionally, autonomous driving is becoming an increasingly important topic. Pilot projects in bus transport demonstrate the potential of automated vehicles, particularly in rural areas where they can provide new mobility options. Integrated mobility concepts are also becoming increasingly important, with the ‘mobility as a service’ model linking different modes of transport intelligently.

However, the shortage of skilled workers, which now affects almost all areas, and excessive bureaucracy pose major challenges.

These developments demonstrate that the industry is evolving technologically, organisationally, and socially.

2. What role does sustainability play in your working environment and what opportunities do you see for the industry?

Sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do at bdo. Buses are already the most environmentally friendly form of motorised transport, whether for local or long-distance journeys. They combine high energy efficiency with an excellent environmental balance, making an important contribution to climate protection and the transport transition.

Our member companies are working hard to extend this lead further. One key area of focus is the decarbonisation of fleets, with a consistent push towards low-emission and alternative drive systems such as electric or hydrogen buses. However, this requires considerable investment, not only in vehicles, but also in charging infrastructure, workshop equipment, and staff training.

To ensure the success of this transformation, reliable and long-term support programmes from federal and state governments are needed to provide the necessary planning security and enable such investments. Support must be technology-neutral, practical and free from bureaucracy.

For us, sustainability encompasses environmental, economic and social responsibility.

This includes ensuring fair competition in public transport, safeguarding jobs, making responsible use of resources, and strengthening rural areas by providing attractive mobility services.

If the political framework conditions are favourable, the bus industry can further expand its pioneering role in climate-friendly transport and thus contribute significantly to establishing a sustainable, affordable and socially just mobility system in Germany.

3. What are your expectations for BUS2BUS 2026 – which topics should the industry focus on discussing there?

We expect BUS2BUS 2026 to focus on key future topics for the bus and mobility industry. These include alternative drive systems, digitalisation and sustainability, which will be crucial for the future development of public transport. We particularly value the opportunity to exchange practical experience on the use of electric and hydrogen buses, infrastructure development, and economic efficiency and funding.

Another important issue is the shortage of skilled workers, which is putting increasing pressure on the industry. This requires concrete strategies for training, further education and attracting new target groups. The professional driver qualification system in particular is in urgent need of reform, and the bdo has been campaigning vigorously on this issue for some time.

We also expect intensive discussions on the political and legal framework conditions that enable the expansion of sustainable mobility, including approval procedures, funding structures and transport planning issues. BUS2BUS offers the ideal platform on which to discuss these topics with companies, politicians, industry representatives and associations, creating synergies and highlighting innovations. The bdo policy talks facilitate this important exchange.

4. Is there a bus experience that has particularly stuck in your memory?

When I was 18, my family and I travelled across the USA by coach, going from the east coast via Canada to the west coast. It was a very special experience. Unlike flying, travelling by bus really makes you realise just how enormous this country is. The distance between New York and San Francisco is much greater than that between Berlin and Baghdad.

5. If you didn't work in the mobility industry, what other field could you see yourself working in?

As the bdo represents the interests of private bus companies, I am clearly passionate about the mobility industry. However, if I had to choose another field, I could actually imagine working as a tour guide – I'm not joking! Exploring the world is my great passion. I enjoy reading books on politics, geography and history, and I even trained to be a teacher. Accordingly, the profession of tour guiding would combine everything that inspires me. Perhaps one day, once the children have grown up, I will apply to a coach tourism company.

6. In your opinion, what political conditions are crucial for the bus to reach its full potential?

In our view, clear and reliable political conditions are essential to maximising the potential of bus transport. Above all, local public transport requires adequate and predictable funding so that transport companies can invest in the long term and maintain stable services.

It is also important that the federal and state governments provide technology-neutral subsidy programmes that specifically support the switch to low-emission and alternative drive systems, such as battery or hydrogen technologies. Only in this way can the industry manage the transition to climate-friendly mobility economically.

Additionally, bureaucracy must be consistently reduced, particularly in approval and funding procedures, so that no additional staff are required and innovations can be implemented more quickly. Buses must also be recognised more strongly as the backbone of climate-friendly transport in transport policy, for example through priority in infrastructure planning, better framework conditions for long-distance bus transport, and targeted measures to combat the shortage of skilled workers.

Only by working together and creating planning security can politicians and industry ensure that buses can fulfil their key role in the transition to climate-friendly mobility.