BOGESTRA Public Transport Service

BOGESTRA (Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen AG) is a major public transport operator serving the central Ruhr area of Germany, specifically the cities of Bochum, Gelsenkirchen, and Herne. Founded in January 1896, the company has played a pivotal role in the urban development of the region for over 130 years. It provides essential infrastructure through an extensive network of tram lines and bus routes.

The service is primarily manufactured and operated locally within the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Ownership is held by the municipalities it serves, ensuring that the utility remains a public service focused on regional mobility. BOGESTRA is also a key member of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), the regional transport association that coordinates fares and schedules across the wider metropolitan area.