In the region of Baden-Württemberg, only around onefifth of inhabitants live in bigger cities. What does this imply for mobility?
Hermann: Baden-Württemberg is a state of eleven million citizens — about the same population as Belgium. However, as you noted, most of our citizens live in smaller cities or rural areas, which calls for varied mobility needs and patterns between urban and rural settings. As a regional government, we need to provide tailored solutions and instruments to meet these different demands.
This is reflected in our targets for 2030: we aim to have half of all freight transported by climate-neutral means, double public transport use, and ensure that one in every two cars is powered by renewable energy. Additionally, one in two trips should be made by walking or cycling, and car traffic will be reduced by 20% both in cities and rural areas. However, since cars will continue to play a greater role in rural areas than in cities, the target for reducing car traffic varies between the two. Furthermore, the electrification of vehicles is also crucial, especially in rural areas, where it will have an even greater impact.
How are these goals implemented in suburban or rural areas?
Hermann: I will use the example of our goal to double the number of passengers on public buses and trains by 2030, compared to 2010. The state government committed to connecting every corner of Baden Württemberg to public transport, from 5 a.m. to midnight, whether in large cities or small towns. During peak hours, we aim for a minimum frequency of every 15 minutes in urban areas and every 30 minutes in rural areas. In smaller towns and villages where demand is lower, we are fostering flexible on-demand services by providing funding support. Public transport can only become a viable alternative to private cars if it offers guaranteed travel options by bus and train.
Cycling is another crucial element of our mobility strategy. If we want to make cycling a leading transport mode, we need safe, continuous, and well-designed cycle lanes. Together with our municipalities, we have developed a statewide cycling network called RadNETZ, which ensures a consistent standard of bikeways across the state. Furthermore, we are expanding bike highways throughout our state—about 20 are being built by the state itself, while others receive substantial funding
How are these goals implemented in suburban or rural areas?
Hermann: I will use the example of our goal to double the number of passengers on public buses and trains by 2030, compared to 2010. The state government committed to connecting every corner of Baden Württemberg to public transport, from 5 a.m. to midnight, whether in large cities or small towns. During peak hours, we aim for a minimum frequency of every 15 minutes in urban areas and every 30 minutes in rural areas. In smaller towns and villages where demand is lower, we are fostering flexible on-demand services by providing funding support. Public transport can only become a viable alternative to private cars if it offers guaranteed travel options by bus and train.
Can you give examples of what makes transport planning distinct on a regional scale?
Hermann: For example, we have introduced new trains specifically for commuters, which we call metro express lines, or MEX. These MEX lines run along commuter routes and provide fast, direct access to the city. How does the concept work? Outside the dense metropolitan transport networks, MEX trains stop at every station, ensuring that even commuters in the smallest towns are served. Once the train enters the urban transport network, it runs directly to the city centre without additional stops. Another instrument is ‘Ortsmitte’, which aims to enhance the liveability of rural and suburban areas by managing through-traffic. Baden-Württemberg has developed a systematic approach to creating lively and traffic-calmed town centres, supporting municipalities by:
- Offering funding to redesign main roads in town centres;
- Providing legal and planning expertise and helping with funding applications;
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Conducting quality assessments of main roads;
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Using a visualisation tool to create images that show how redesigned road sections could look;
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Temporarily redesigning roads by lending street furniture, which helps build public support for permanent solutions.
How do ensure both urban and rural areas are addressed, rather than just focusing on pilot schemes? What structural instruments are in place?
Hermann: In Baden-Württemberg, we developed the Climate and Mobility Concept, which serves as a regional Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). It includes 28 concrete measures, with each addressing the unique needs and interrelation between urban and rural areas. The concept was refined through discussions with various associations and input from a citizens’ panel.
We are also working on a State Mobility Act that will guide local and state administrations by setting clear goals and obligations. This legal framework introduces instruments such as digital parking management and third-party funding for public transport. In terms of financial support, we focus on three dimensions:
- Long-term funding for traffic infrastructure;
- Staffing support: We provide funding for around 200 traffic experts in local authorities across the region, covering areas like electromobility and cycling;
- Funding local mobility concepts, including simpler plans for smaller cities and specialised concepts for walking and shared mobility.
Moreover, we created ‘regional mobility pacts,’ a format for regional dialogue and informal cooperation among local authorities, the private sector, and citizens. State agencies also offer extensive networking and advisory services for mobility and transport planners.
What is your vision for mobility and transport in the region?
Hermann: Our vision is for good, climatefriendly mobility that enhances the quality of life for everyone! Various surveys we have conducted confirm that many people in our region want to use sustainable transport modes. They want a reliable public transport system and good cycling infrastructure. Citizens have sent a clear message through participation processes: ‘The transport transformation needs to happen quickly and boldly!’
To achieve this, regional and municipal cooperation is essential, particularly in providing safe and comfortable cycling and walking infrastructures, as well as regular and reliable public transport. In Baden-Württemberg, planning instruments such as the state development plan and SUMPs are key for aligning strategies. We also need to continuously consider the connections between rural and urban areas, ensuring that spatial and settlement development is closely integrated with mobility services.