Strategy Built on Four Key Components

In a bid to combat the overwhelming 96% of greenhouse gas emissions generated on German roads, the focus is on achieving sustainable mobility in the transport sector. This ambitious goal involves a comprehensive approach with four key pillars.

The Four Pillars of Sustainable Mobility

The first pillar is the design of cities, with an emphasis on traffic avoidance and the concept of the "15-minute city," which aims to ensure that residents have access to essential services within a short walk or bike ride.

A comprehensive investment offensive and expansion of public transport are necessary for public transport to serve as the backbone of the future-oriented transport system. This is the second pillar.

The third pillar involves the raising of awareness among the younger generation for sustainability through educational work. The fourth pillar focuses on the use of modern mobility solutions such as real-time traffic control, autonomous vehicles, and AI-supported mobility platforms.

The Importance of Political Measures and Public Support

The successful implementation of these four pillars depends on political measures, the offer of the economy, and the consumption behavior of society. The consequences of insufficient investment in the renovation and expansion of the rail network are evident in the form of regular delays and breakdowns in public transport.

In rural regions, a "push-and-pull" strategy can be used as a lever for change. This strategy employs pull factors like affordable green fuels, safe cycling infrastructure, or car-sharing options, and push factors like consistent CO2 taxation.

The Role of Young Leaders and the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport

The "Young Leaders Academy" offers young people a platform for networking and orientation, playing a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting engagement in transport infrastructure among younger generations.

The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport is called upon to contribute to the fourth pillar by raising awareness among the younger generation for sustainability. This ministry, alongside bodies like the "Young Leaders Academy," is responsible for implementing the four pillars of sustainable mobility at the federal level.

The Impact of Mobility Transition on Everyday Lives

Stories like those of S. F., a 34-year-old individual who missed a job interview due to a regional train cancellation to Berlin, or H. L., a 52-year-old individual who missed a doctor's appointment due to an elusive parking spot in the city center, highlight the need for a mobility transition.

The 9-Euro Ticket of 2022 demonstrated that mobility behavior can be changed, and mobility must be designed to be not only climate-friendly but also socially accessible for everyone. Public transport remains essential in the lives of many people, irrespective of their economic and social status.

The need for a mobility transition is evident due to the increasing natural disasters in the global south and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Germany. The goal is to shape mobility behavior in a way that serves the human being, meets the requirements of a livable environment, and considers the needs of future generations.