New Project: Regional Economic Effects of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans

To achieve equivalent living conditions across Germany, targeted investments in sustainable, economically viable, and demand-oriented transport services are required in rural areas. Improving and expanding these services could help strengthen structurally weak rural regions. Sustainable urban transportation planning ist regarded as a key instrument in this context.

Under the leadership of Dominik Frankenberg, the new research project “PIVERE” examines the interrelationships between sustainable urban mobility plans and regional economic development. Part of the research team since February 2026 is Sophie Mikhail. 

A standardized nationwide online survey of public transport authorities and economic development agencies will explore how advanced the implementation of sustainable urban transportation planning is at the local level, what economic impacts are expected, and which factors contribute to or hinder successful implementation.

The project aims to provide a systematic assessment of the potential of sustainable urban mobility plans for the economic development of rural areas. Based on these findings, recommendations for action will be derived for policymakers, public administration, and in planning. 

The joint project PIVERE is being carried out in cooperation with the Department of Transport Planning and Transport Systems at the University of Kassel.

Note: Further information on the project will soon be available on the project webpage.  

Contact: Dr. Dominik Frankenberg