Dr. Huber, public transport in rural areas still generally consists of a regular bus service with a low frequency. For people in rural areas, having their own car is virtually indispensable. How is DB Regio Bus trying to design public transport in rural areas to meet demand in the future?
Dr. Huber: For DB Regio, opening up rural areas and improving everyday mobility is an important goal, especially in areas that were previously less accessible. The expansion of integrated public transport solutions (rail, scheduled bus and flexible forms of service including on-demand) is intended to create a genuine alternative to the private car. In this context, integrated does not only mean the integration of services in terms of tariffs or inclusion in digital booking platforms. In particular, it means holistic planning and coordinated operational implementation of the various forms of public transport, so that a consistent system is created for the user that can be operated efficiently at the same time.
Automated minibuses have only been operating in Bavaria as part of pilot projects to date. What hurdles still exist in the transition to regular operation?
Dr. Huber: The existing services are already in regular operation in their implementation form. However, as the financing of these operations in particular is based on research and funding projects, long-term embedding is of great importance. The funding must be able to react flexibly to the further development of AD (editor's note: automated driving) in public transport. And above all, it must not be limited to minibuses in on-demand operation. It is about the introduction of AD in the entire public transport system with all forms of service and vehicle sizes. It would therefore make sense to embed the financing of these innovations directly into the public transport funds of the public transport authorities.
A look into the future: in a few years' time, will I be able to start a journey from my own front door in the countryside without having to use my own car and without having to use several apps to book tickets for local and long-distance public transport?
Dr. Huber: We are already on the right track. However, there are several lines of action that need to be addressed here. Intermodal platforms with comprehensive booking functions are already well advanced with the Deutschland-Ticket and will lead to standardized bookability of almost all forms of public transport in the coming years. For the journey from the front door to (any) destination, a far-reaching and efficient expansion of the offer is necessary. This, in turn, can only be achieved by overcoming the shortage of drivers. AD is therefore a central component.
Thank you for the interesting insights!
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