Eberswalde, located in the federal state of Brandenburg, is situated approx. 50 kilometres North-East of the German capital of Berlin. The county town of Barnim, counting 40.000 inhabitants, is surrounded by widespread forest areas and has borne the name “forest town” since 19th century. The town has developed its linear structure along the Finow Canal in the past and therefore has no typical city centre. The advantageous location close to the Finow Canal also fostered the economic development in the city and local area. At present Eberswalde is characterized by the food industry, waggon construction, engine building, metal working,electrical engineering as well as wood processing. Many tourists enjoy the beautiful landscape around Eberswalde in summer and visit popular attractions like the ship lift in Niederfinow, Lake Werbellin or the monastery in Chorin.

Being Germany’s oldest trolley bus operator, the company draws on tradition and longterm expertise. Starting the first attempts in 1901, Eberswalde established the trolley bus technology in 1940. Ever since then the trolley bus is deeply ingrained and enjoys popularity and acceptance among passengers and citizens. Since its start-up, the company has always been confronted with the linear and uncharacteristic structure of the city. Nonetheless Barnim Bus GmbH took up the challenge over the past decades and remained as one of only three trolley bus operators in Germany. In these days, almost 50% of all passengers of the 54 bus lines in Eberswalde are being transported by only 2 trolley bus lines. Barnim Bus GmbH always put emphasis on the combination of this traditional public transport system and modern, new technologies. The vehicle fleet of 1993/94 already was one of Germanys first low-floor trolleybus fleet. The new vehicle fleet of 2010 consists of electric hybrid buses, equipped with onboard-supercapacitors. Electric energy required for acceleration or heating can be drawn out of the catenary or the onboard supercapacitors.