Problem statement

Connecting urban and rural areas is a challenge for passenger transportation. While public transport systems with high capacity and low space requirements enable fast, uncomplicated and cost-effective transportation in densely populated urban areas, there is often no alternative to owning a car in rural areas. Conventional public transport is generally unable to cover the area economically. Many people therefore commute to the city by car. As an average commuter car only has 1.1 occupants, both the amount of traffic space and energy required and the associated emissions per person are very high.

Objective

C2C Bridge aims to explore possibilities for attractive alternatives to the private car as a means of commuter transport with an individualized public transport service. One component of the solution is autonomous vehicle concepts as on-demand transport that offer space for four people and luggage. They take users to their destination after a maximum of one change at mobility hubs or enable them to change to other means of transport there. The mobility hubs should make transfers as comfortable as possible. Research is being carried out into how an optimal combination of the new transport service and traditional public transport and their transitions can be designed.

Method

In C2CBridge, technical solutions are to be developed hand in hand with planning concepts. Based on a comprehensive analysis of mobility behavior, mobility needs and the existing transport system in the various types of areas, prototypes of vehicles and mobility stations will be designed and built. Optimal operating concepts will be developed for the system. The solutions developed will be evaluated economically and their effects on settlement development will be examined. The transport offer is developed with constant user feedback, which is made possible by studies and a virtual experience.