The Solution

Public transport as needed with on-demand buses

Environment

Mobility

Urban logistics

On-demand mobility services

On-demand mobility services are activated by individual requests. This means that passengers are not necessarily bound to a specific timetable or stop. Generally, cars or minibuses are used to take passengers between flexible, often self-chosen pick-up and drop-off points. A trip is set-up either by phone call, as is the case for German public transit ride share services or by app, as is the case for newer data-based offerings.

On-demand mobility offerings can be used by cities to solve the last-mile problem. They also help fill service gaps in areas with insufficient coverage by traditional public transport - for example, in less densely populated areas or at off-peak times. Here, data-based solutions enable so-called "pooling". This involves automatically creating a route on which passengers share a vehicle over part or all of a route. This allows for further resource saving.

Sustainability check: How do on-demand mobility services help?

Cost-efficient operation.
Public solution to private mobility problems.
Extension of the existing public transport system.
Reduction of private vehicle traffic by closing service gaps, especially in less densely populated areas.
Insights into the usage behavior of citizens.
Further reduction of emissions through the use of electric or hydrogen vehicles.

Requirements: What is needed for on-demand mobility services?

Calls for tenders and implementation is possible for service areas of at least approximately 8000 residents.
Ongoing optimization based on the data obtained is a prerequisite for efficient operation by lowering waiting and idle times.

Our assement:

While on-demand mobility solutions provide relief for some mobility challenges, e.g. by reducing emissions and filling supply gaps, successful operation is not guaranteed. There is a risk of lack of acceptance among the population, lack of cost efficiency, or insufficient integration with existing public transport services. The use of acquired data to improve services or cooperation with competent companies and startups can help here.

Which SDGS are addressed?

In order to create globally sustainable structures, the member states of the United Nations have set themselves 17 goals by 2030, which are set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.