The rolling supermarket from REWE and Deutsche Bahn (DB) is picking up speed. In Ungedanken, a district of the small town of Fritzlar in northern Hesse, the on-board crew welcomed the first customers on 20 March.
With a length of almost 20 metres and its eye-catching livery, it is impossible to miss: the "shopping bus" of the REWE Region Mitte. From now on, the articulated bus, painted in bright green and red, will be travelling to up to three towns in northern Hesse every day from Monday to Saturday.
The full dimensions become clear when viewed from the side: the articulated bus is 18 metres long I Photo: Achim Bachhausen
On board are fresh and regional foods, including many with the "Bio aus Hessen" and "Geprüfte Qualität Hessen" quality and origin labels. Residents of rural areas can also use the bus to take care of simple DHL parcel services, such as dropping off pre-paid parcels.
Deutsche Bahn and REWE see mobile supply as a contribution to climate protection by making private car journeys to the nearest supermarket superfluous. With this pilot project, REWE and DB are opening up new ways of providing high-quality local supplies in places where there are no longer any stationary stores. 
Regional Manager Jürgen Scheider in the REWE shopping bus
"I am delighted that, after an intensive planning and preparation period, we are now able to launch our REWE shopping bus and make a contribution to strengthening rural areas. And perhaps new social meeting places for young and old will be created," said Jürgen Scheider, Chairman of the management of REWE Mitte, on the occasion of the premiere trip. The idea for the bus came from Jürgen Scheider and Kassel-based REWE businessman Jörn Berszinski, who accompanied the first tour with his entire family. "With our rolling supermarket, we offer local people a complete small full-range of products. We will continue to develop this over the next few weeks and adapt it to the wishes of our customers," announced the visibly proud salesman.
REWE salesman Jörn Berszinski
Fixed timetable, full range
The shopping bus travels to towns in north-east Hesse at fixed times I Photo: Hoffmann
The shopping bus comes to various towns in the districts of Kassel, Schwalm-Eder and Waldeck-Frankenberg at fixed times. With 700 different products, the range corresponds to that of a regular supermarket and extends from fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled fresh produce and frozen products to drinks and cosmetics.
Converted bus
The railway subsidiary "DB Regio Bus Mitte" is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bus. The 18 metre long bus was converted for use as a supermarket. Compared to a regular service bus, additional air conditioning systems ensure a pleasant shopping experience. With high-performance batteries, the supermarket can be operated for up to eight hours without an external power supply.
Incidentally, the shopping bus is not the first rolling service for the rural population for DB Regio Bus. The company already operates seven "Medibuses" with medical equipment on board. They are used as mobile doctors' surgeries or for first aid and vaccination campaigns in rural areas.
"We are delighted that the rolling supermarket is transporting regional and organic food to the rural regions of northern Hesse. This benefits consumers and producers alike. We want to become even more regional for the shopping bus in North Hesse and include as many North Hessian products as possible in our range."
Julia Kraushaar, Managing Director of MGH Gutes aus Hessen
"When the shopping bus comes to town, the car can stay put. As a supermarket and parcel shop in one, we use the bus to bring groceries and parcel services directly to your doorstep. This means that nobody has to drive to the nearest town for everyday errands. This is convenient, climate-friendly and strengthens communities in rural areas."
Frank Klingenhöfer, Management Board DB Regio AG
"With its well thought-out concept, the shopping bus strengthens the retail sector in the area and enables people with limited mobility in particular to independently obtain everyday necessities close to home."
Mark Weinmeister, District President of the administrative district of Kassel
"We are delighted that the rolling supermarket is transporting regional and organic food to the rural regions of northern Hesse. This benefits consumers and producers alike. We want to become even more regional for the shopping bus in North Hesse and include as many North Hessian products as possible in our range."
Julia Kraushaar, Managing Director of MGH Gutes aus Hessen
"When the shopping bus comes to town, the car can stay put. As a supermarket and parcel shop in one, we use the bus to bring groceries and parcel services directly to your doorstep. This means that nobody has to drive to the nearest town for everyday errands. This is convenient, climate-friendly and strengthens communities in rural areas."
Frank Klingenhöfer, Management Board DB Regio AG
