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Shift towards more environmentally friendly means of transport in Darmstadt
The recently published study “Mobility in Cities” for 2023 shows that in the science city of Darmstadt, within the last ten years, there has been a significant shift towards means of transport of the so-called environmental alliance, consisting of pedestrian, bicycle and public transport.
In 2023, Darmstadt residents traveled almost three-quarters of their journeys (73 percent) using sustainable modes of transport. The share of sustainable transport was even higher for journeys within the city limits, at 81 percent. In particular, the shares of pedestrian and bicycle traffic saw significant increases: pedestrian traffic rose from 28 to 32 percent between 2012 and 2023, and bicycle traffic from 17 to 27 percent. These increases in mobility modes stemmed primarily from a shift away from private motorized transport, whose share of the modal split decreased from 37 to 27 percent during the aforementioned period. In contrast, public transport experienced a percentage decline from 18 to 14 percent, which may still be attributable to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, public transport in Darmstadt was hampered in 2023 by a lack of spare parts for tram vehicles, extensive construction work, and a shortage of drivers. These factors were significantly reduced during 2024. Furthermore, the nationwide introduction of the Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket) suggests that passenger numbers will increase in the future, positively impacting the further development of public transport within the integrated transport system.
The vast majority of respondents enjoy cycling (75 percent) or walking (85 percent). 59 percent like using public transport, and 60 percent prefer driving. "The results clearly show that new services are not only being accepted but also contributing to a shift in traffic patterns. A high-performing public transport system and attractive cycling routes are crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow. Our measures always impact the entire transport system. They create more space for everyone to get around. Every single mode of transport benefits when alternatives are well-developed. This is a core principle of modern mobility planning," explains Head of Mobility Paul Georg Wandrey. "To ensure that traffic continues to flow smoothly in the future, we must continuously develop our system in light of increasing traffic volumes. Promoting sustainable mobility makes an important contribution to a harmonious transportation system by balancing the needs of all road users."
Wandrey emphasizes the connection between the shift to alternative modes of transport and the recently observed reduction in traffic congestion in Darmstadt. "It's clear that investments in public transport and cycling infrastructure also benefit motorists. The more people switch to bicycles or trains, the smoother motorized traffic can flow. This creates a positive feedback loop from which everyone ultimately benefits," Wandrey explains.
The study further reveals that the average number of trips made has remained almost constant since 2013. In 2023, people with mobility impairments made an average of 2.4 trips per day (2013: 2.2), while mobile individuals made 3.8 trips per day (2013: 3.8). Trip frequency does not differ significantly between age groups, although children and young people under 16 are slightly less mobile than adults (averaging 3.1 and 3.4 trips per day, respectively). Slightly more than 20 percent of employed individuals now work from home full-time and do not commute.
Currently, Darmstadt residents have an average of 2.1 bicycles and 0.9 cars available per household. Thirty percent of households do not own a car (2013: 24 percent); among single-person households, this figure rises to more than half, depending on the age group.
The "Mobility in Cities" study is conducted by TU Dresden every five years as a survey of a representative group of Darmstadt residents. This allows for conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of political and transport planning measures and about societal mobility trends.
(DARMSTADT – PSD / stip)
