Integrating Inclusive Digital Mobility Solutions into German Transport Systems

Abstract

AbstractDigital technologies constitute an essential building block for the modernisation of transport systems and their sustainability. Since improvements in usability and accessibility are intrinsic to most digital solutions, their integration in mobility systems may further contribute to an increased inclusiveness. Nonetheless, digital solutions could potentially exclude vulnerable groups by not catering to their specific needs. Inclusiveness can, however, be maximised when individual technologies are established with such goals in mind and are accompanied by the necessary development of the required (hardware) infrastructure. The widespread introduction of digital applications was triggered by a major German funding programme aiming at enhancing digitalisation in German municipal transport systems to improve air quality. Given the versatility and high adaptability of digital solutions, the substantial progress toward that objective unlocked a high potential for a more inclusive mobility system, so that further improvements in this direction have become low-hanging fruit that can be easily reaped with further projects and funding directed immediately at this objective. The potential of digital solutions to contribute to various societal and thus political objectives, particularly inclusiveness, is identified in this chapter through an analysis of projects that serve as a collection of successful real-world examples.