Involving Public Transport Companies in Disaster Management During a Blackout – A Feasibility Study

Abstract: This thesis explores how a blackout can be better managed using existing public transport company resources. The study addresses three research questions by assessing the feasibility of possible cooperation between local public transport companies and disaster management authorities during a blackout. Data from 14 interviews with experts from disaster management authorities, public transport companies, and the scientific community were conducted to answer the research questions. Supplementary information was obtained from literature research to carry out a context-specific feasibility study. The first research question aimed to determine what challenges the organizations will face during a blackout. To answer the second research question, the 5 categories of technical, organization, finance, legal and safety matters, and willingness to participate were reflected to determine which challenges must be overcome to implement a cooperation concept. It was found that the implementation of cooperation is generally feasible and accepted. However, there are some contexts where specific challenges need to be overcome, such as communication in rural areas or the technical implementation of increasing bus fleet electrification. Finally, with the input of the experts, a cooperation concept was suggested as an answer to the third research question. The proposed concept contains flexible modules that the authorities and public transport companies can introduce per their specific requirements and contextual needs. Each module encompasses a particular resource (diesel, bus drivers, stops, and buses) and outlines the necessary prerequisites for successful implementation. In addition to the concept, recommendations for the next steps are given to implement such a concept successfully.