From an economic point of view, the emergency brake should have been applied long ago in Wiesbaden's "Mein Rad" bicycle rental system.
Even when it started four years ago in the summer, the comparatively bulky and heavy bikes were no attraction.
Far too much time passed before the rental app was loaded, the identification as a user was confirmed and the bike was unlocked.
And for a fun bike ride through the state capital, the rather uncomfortable bikes were too stiff.
However, despite the fact that the need for subsidies has continued to grow over the years, Eswe has not had the courage to admit that the claim of a municipal mobility service provider is not very far beyond the organization of bus transport.
It would have made more sense to secure a professional partner with experience in this field at an early stage, who would lead the project to long-term success after the initial investment.
Now Eswe has to realize that for many users it's much "cooler" to cruise through the city on a small electric scooter than to pedal around on a brightly painted bicycle.
However, this finding is not surprising.
Regardless of sensitivities
It is the great advantage of Managing Director Jan Görnemann that as an "outsider" - completely unencumbered by wrong decisions of the past years and without political consideration for sensitivities in the city society - he can successively take on every "construction site" of Eswe Verkehr in order to make it comprehensible way to clear up.
Görnemann is a good example of why it is right to demand that management positions in urban or significantly urban-influenced companies be filled solely on the basis of qualifications.
Preferably with specialists who have already proven their qualifications outside of the state capital.
If Wiesbaden, despite all attempts to exert political influence, persists in this direction when it comes to future personnel decisions, then a lot would be gained, as the example of ESWE shows.
It is undisputed that the state capital needs a nationwide rental system for e-bikes and e-scooters in order to make progress with the traffic turnaround.
However, the system must be set up in such a way that it develops the desired effect at an acceptable cost.
Otherwise, the city can also distribute taxi vouchers.