The future of mobility in Essen is taking shape.
Essen, October 17, 2026. The Committee for Transport and Mobility of the City of Essen today resolved in its meeting to take a step towards improved transport infrastructure in Essen. Based on the so-called “preferred variant 4.1 North,” planning for the expansion of the bus turning facility “Heisingen ”Baldeneysee" will be continued. The local mobility services are to be optimized and adapted to the actual needs of visitors.
Accessible and efficient public transport
The existing bus stop at Baldeneysee no longer meets the requirements of the regional transport plan of Stadt Essen. In particular, the intended five-minute frequency of bus line 145 necessitates a comprehensive revision, as there is a lack of stopping and resting areas. Furthermore, the current facility is not designed to be barrier-free, which represents a significant restriction for many users. The planned measures will create four new, barrier-free bus platforms for articulated buses. An additional bus platform for line 153 and the night express NE7 is also planned. In addition, modern passenger information, weather protection facilities, and a mobility hub with bicycle parking and rental bikes will be established to offer visitors a comprehensive mobility service.
Consideration of citizen suggestions
The decision made today was preceded by planning and participation processes in which residents expressed their concerns about additional traffic areas, noise pollution, and the preservation of green spaces. The preferred variant 4.1 North is intended to take these concerns into account by moving the new traffic facility further away from the adjacent residential areas while preserving a large part of the existing green and open spaces. Compared to other variants, this plan also stands out for its lowest degree of sealing. Another advantage is the consideration of the interests of pedestrians and cyclists. New route alignments and traffic adjustments are intended to reduce conflicts between Cyclists, pedestrians and motorized traffic must be minimized.
A new arrival place for an event.
The measures correlate closely with the goals of the Master Plan “Experience Chains Baldeneysee”. The new bus turning facility is intended not only to strengthen local public transport but also to serve as an attractive arrival point for visitors. Improved orientation options and stronger networking of various mobility offers are planned, which the Baldeneysee to make it even more attractive as a tourist destination. In total, 15 variants were tested for feasibility during the preliminary planning phase. The decision for variant 4.1 North was made due to its best overall assessment, which includes traffic requirements as well as environmental compatibility, quality of stay, and economic efficiency.
Further planning steps
Following today's decision, the next planning services and necessary expert reports will be prepared. In parallel, the development plan procedure will be continued, with the aim of completing the planning procedure by the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. The implementation of the measures is planned for 2029, with total costs estimated at around 6.6 million euros. Funding is to be provided by subsidies in accordance with the Law on Public local public transport can be applied for in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Conclusion
The expansion of the bus turning facility at Baldeneysee is intended to be an important step towards a modern and barrier-free mobility infrastructure in Essen. By taking public suggestions into account and integrating sustainable mobility solutions, not only will public transport be strengthened, but the quality of stay at Baldeneysee will also be significantly improved. The planned measures regarding the traffic hub are intended to enhance the Ruhr area as an attractive destination for recreation seekers.
