INIT equips SBG SüdbadenBus GmbH with on-board computers, ITCS, and automatic passenger counting system

All companies belonging to DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg now rely on INIT solutions in their buses

The SBG SüdbadenBus GmbH bus fleet is being equipped with on-board computers and counting sensors – here an SBG bus on the Kandel, the highest point in the Central Black Forest. (© INIT)

Karlsruhe  / Germany  – July 24, 2025

SBG SüdbadenBus GmbH is the last of the bus companies belonging to DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg to introduce solutions from INIT. In future, it will be using the Intermodal Transport Control System MOBILE-ITCS nextGen, PC-based ticket printers and on-board computers, the MOBILEvario fare management and clearing system, interior displays, passenger counting sensors and the automatic passenger counting system (APC) MOBILE-APC. INIT won the order for the APC project which was funded by the federal state in a Europe-wide tender. 

The vehicles are currently being equipped. The new hardware has already been installed in the first 18 buses. The entire bus fleet from SBG and partner companies comprises around 500 vehicles. All buses will be equipped with on-board computers for tracking vehicle positions and about half will be connected to a passenger counting system. The APC, with its state-of-the-art IRMA MATRIX counting sensors above the bus doors, provides SBG with detailed data for optimizing its services, enabling it to use its resources even more efficiently and to tailor schedules and capacities optimally to passenger demand. In addition, the new system is extremely valuable in determining the data basis for the demand-oriented distribution of fare revenue among the various public transport service providers required by the federal state.

For passengers, the new EVENDpc on-board computers and PIDvisio displays offer a range of benefits: they can now pay the driver with standard debit and credit cards and smartphone wallets without using cash and can see their connections on the interior passenger information displays. Another component of the passenger information system via additional media will be the display of real-time occupancy in vehicles and the expected occupancy rate for subsequent trips using INIT's MOBILEguide Occupancy Information system.

Successful INIT partnership with DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg

The new order confirms a long-standing partnership between DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg and INIT. As a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn daughter company DB Regio, SBG serves the southwestern corner of Germany. The regional buses of the state of Baden-Württemberg play an important role in the mobility of the Federal State. They supplement Deutsche Bahn's local rail passenger transport services in areas where no rail connections are available. 

In 2006, Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH was the first of the five companies that now make up DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg to opt for INIT technologies. Since then, it has relied on INIT products such as the Intermodal Transport Control System (ITCS), on-board computers, statistics, ticketing, and passenger counting. In recent years, Regionalbusverkehr Südwest GmbH, Friedrich Müller Omnibusunternehmen GmbH, and BRN Busverkehr Rhein-Neckar GmbH have become INIT clients. They therefore also benefit from the expertise of the Karlsruhe-based company. However, INIT is not only a supplier of hardware and software; the company also provides services to all five DB Regio AG subsidiaries and is responsible for fare management, among other things. 

2,700 buses in the entire DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg area rely on INIT solutions

Including the 500 SBG vehicles, a total of 2,700 buses will soon be operating for DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg with INIT on-board equipment. This makes DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg one of INIT's three largest clients in terms of the number of buses. INIT Managing Director Klaus Janke emphasizes: "We are very delighted that SBG has chosen INIT. All five companies within DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg now rely on solutions and services from INIT. For us, this is the best confirmation that we work extremely well together and provide excellent services." DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg also values the fact that all five companies are now served and supported by a single provider. This was emphasized by authorized company signatory (Prokurist) Stefan Miller: "We have had very good experiences with INIT for many years and find it helpful that our fares are managed by an experienced provider such as INIT. The passenger counting system also does an excellent job. SBG has the security of using a system that comprehensively meets the requirements of the client, the state of Baden-Württemberg, and can be quickly introduced throughout the DB Regio Bus Baden-Württemberg transport area thanks to a framework agreement." 

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Pictures, video or graphics published with the press release may only be used in direct connection with the publication of the press release and only if the source is acknowledged as indicated.

The SBG SüdbadenBus GmbH bus fleet is being equipped with on-board computers and counting sensors – here an SBG bus on the Kandel, the highest point in the Central Black Forest. (© INIT)

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The new technology was presented in Waldshut as part of a press event. The media representatives received detailed information on all their questions. (© DB Regio) 

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Andrea Mohr-Braun

Head of Department Corporate Marketing
INIT worldwide
Phone: +49 721 6100 113
Fax: +49 721 6100 399

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