Problem

Many towns in rural regions are confronted with the outcomes of the demographic change. I.e. a shrinking and aging of the population. This results in changing spatial structures, e.g. a concentration of the places for administration, education and the supply of the population in terms of health care, culture etc.. An outcome is that these structures will result in an increasing travel demand and increasing travel complexity. Moreover a decline of the financial situations of public bodies as well as certain parts of the population can be expected. The declining financial resources of public bodies often lead in turn to reduce public transport offerings.

Solution approach

The project is aiming at solutions in which way travelling and accessibility in rural regions can be achieved in a more sustainable way in terms of social, economical and ecological welfare. Upcoming and existing mobility solutions or services will be assessed and adapted for their applicability in rural regions. Especially an applicability in three defined “model regions” will be analysed in cooperation with local stakeholders.