Four real labs for mobility transition in Hamburg Metropolitan Region

27 January 2022

Holistic, cross-state approach to boost "Mobility Management"

Four so-called "real labs" in Hamburg, Neumünster and in the districts of Pinneberg, Stade, Harburg, Lüneburg and Cuxhaven are working simultaneously on innovative transport solutions for businesses and commercial locations, schools and rural regions. Their declared goal is to drive the mobility transition as part of the "Mobility Management" project in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Emphasis is on sustainable transport and reducing the private use of cars. People are encouraged to think twice about their choice of everyday transport and to change their behaviour in the long term.

Networked mobility for more efficiency and climate protection

"The project allows the Hamburg Metropolitan Region to start a holistic and cross-state approach to mobility management, thereby promoting sustainable transport choices in the region," said Christina Röll, project co-ordinator. The Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV) is responsible for othe overall project. So-called "soft" measures, such as co-ordination, communication or counselling target groups are to be used to promote sustainable forms of transport, the organisation of services e.g., shared taxis and to boost the networking of activities.

Public transport instead of company cars?

The real lab in Neumünster and Süderelbe AG are examining solutions for environment-friendly corporate transport that benefits both employers and their workforce. The aim is to determine what individual companies can do and what concrete measures can be taken to advance the mobility transition and to show alternatives for reducing car journeys. Employers, for instance, could subsidise the cost of public transport and thereby reduce the number of cars on the daily commute.

New ideas for "last mile

The district of Hamburg Altona is working on a concept for the Schnackenburgsallee business location which needs climate-friendlier transport on the "last mile". The goal is to improve transport offers for both employees and customers through various infrastructure projects such as the extension of the U5-West line and new bicycle routes. To strengthen the work of the real laboratories in the long term, a concept for a "Competence Centre for Mobility" in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region is to be developed as well.

mb/sb/kk/pb