Smart Mobility
A high level of connectivity and flexibility is the hallmark of the German mobility system. Smart mobility is the intelligent combination of shared mobility options, such as carpooling, car sharing and bike sharing programs, and well-developed public transport services. Integrated information, booking and payment systems help to achieve seamless mobility and high user-friendliness across the various modes. Smart mobility can offer significant cost-benefits over vehicle ownership, reducing the need for private cars. Car sharing vehicles can be combined with clean electric propulsion, and thus additionally contribute to reducing pollutant and climate emissions.
When hosting out-of-town guests or visiting another city, public bike sharing makes bikes instantly available. Whenever need arises for a big shopping trip, moving furniture or a spontaneous weekend getaway, a car is waiting at the next mobility hot spot. Travelling a long distance alone in your car? Gather with other people making the same trip via a smart phone app and save on fuel costs.
Shared mobility reduces the costs associated with a private car. Bike sharing programs can eliminate the need for certain car trips. Both car sharing and car-pooling allow for a more efficient use of vehicles and can reduce the need for private car ownership. Car-pooling offers have enjoyed high popularity for more than two decades, and car sharing programs—including station-based, free-floating, peer-to-peer and corporate car sharing—are quickly expanding in many German cities.
The environmental benefits of smart mobility can be further enhanced through the use of clean and innovative technologies. Electric propulsion in public transport, car and bike sharing programs and public utility fleets contribute to better air quality in our cities; when driven by renewable energy sources, the transport sector lessens its climate change impact.
The passionate collaboration of municipalities, service providers, research institutions and customers promises further advances in the field of smart mobility.