Mobility Strategy for Hesse

It is the aim of the project to develop elements of an integrated mobility strategy taking Hesse as an example and to point out ways to create a nationwide sustainable and social mobility culture.

Research Approach

The project has been designed as a conceptual study. As an exemplary area, Hesse is taken as a representative for the whole of Germany. Hesse is characterized by various topographic as well as spatial and settlement structures and differences which are also typical for other regions in Germany. Hesse is one of the most important traffic hubs in Europe and the Rhine-Main area is playing a significant role in this context. Hesse is a very much interculturally influenced state. Economically, one finds a mixture of manufacturing industry, a strong traffic and logistics sector as well as bank and knowledge intensive services.

The project consists of two phases. The first phase serves to develop narrative scenarios for the future of mobility development together with a group of experts in order to turn the normative goals of transforming mobility in Hesse into a vivid image. The scenarios will take three individual hessian regions as an example: the Rhine-Main area, the region of Marburg-Gießen and the district of Kassel. Apart from that, current trends and developments in Hesse that are influencing mobility and traffic will be analyzed. In this context the following four fields of action will be focused on

  • Society
  • Spatial development
  • Economy
  • Politics, planning and infrastructure.

With the help of a SWOT-analysis these fields of action will be analyzed with regard to transformation potential and hindrances.

In the second project phase, the key points of a mobility strategy will be developed as well as partial strategies for integrated planning, local/regional mobility, commercial trade and infrastructure management. Both phases will be accompanied by stakeholder dialogues. The first dialogue is aiming to encourage discussions on the current situation and challenges to be faced. The second dialogue will offer the opportunity to discuss the key points of a strategy for Hesse.

Background

Mobility is a prerequisite for social participation and thus part of a sustainable development that comprises social, ecological, economic and technological aspects. However, the current traffic system is not sustainable and therefore a transformation of the mobility and traffic sector seems to be called for. But the way to achieve this goal is controversial and uncertain.

There is a lack of certainty on how to ensure successful climate and resource protection as well as secure employment and prosperity in the context of a holistically understood sustainability policy.

Partners

  • Difu, German Institute for Urban Affairs, Department for Mobility (Berlin)
  • Steteplanung, Office for Urban and Transport Planning (Darmstadt)

Commissioning

The project „Conceptual Study for a Mobility Strategy in Hesse“ was commissioned by the Friedrich-Ebert foundation.

Duration

2016/02 – 2017/03