The latest publication of the study “Mobility in Germany” offers a comprehensive analysis of mobility behaviour in the Free State of Bavaria. As the largest nationwide mobility study since the COVID-19 pandemic period, it provides detailed insights into the use of various modes of transport and the changes observed in recent years. The results of the specific Bavarian evaluation confirm that the established Bavarian mobility mix is sustainable. State Minister Christian Bernreiter emphasised during the presentation that no modes of transport are played off against each other; instead, a coordinated mix integrating the respective strengths of the different transport options is sought.
The Free State of Bavaria contributed significantly to the high sample density. This enables detailed analyses for all regions. The data collected serves as a basis for further transport studies and expert reports, which support municipalities in their local mobility planning. Nationwide trends are also evident in Bavaria, including the expected difference in mobility between urban and rural areas. A development resulting from the pandemic period, the increase in cycling and walking, has also been confirmed, with a significant rise observed particularly in cities compared to 2017.
Acceptance of Private Transport and Challenges in Public Transport
Satisfaction with motorised private transport, including cars and motorcycles, has increased across Bavaria, with 77 per cent of respondents stating they are satisfied or very satisfied. In contrast, satisfaction with the quality of local public transport (ÖPNV) is only shared by one in three respondents. Minister Bernreiter highlighted that the quality of service in public transport is more important than price, especially in rural areas. This underscores the need for efficient infrastructure, attractive services, and appropriate fares with simple sales channels.
The study data was collected on behalf of the federal government by infas – Institute for Applied Social Sciences. Between April 2023 and July 2024, data was gathered from approximately 220,000 households in Germany. In Bavaria, the surveys included over 39,000 households and more than 78,000 individuals, who were interviewed about their mobility behaviour. The Free State invested an additional EUR 1.4 million for a regional deepening of the data. Thus, comparable data on mobility behaviour is available once again, following surveys in 2002, 2008, and 2017. This data is directly integrated into the Bavarian State Transport Model, which municipalities, research institutions, and state building authorities use as a unified and valid basis for transport planning issues. Due to the scope of the data, mobility behaviour can sometimes be analysed down to the level of independent cities and districts.
Focus on Infrastructure and Funding
The study results reinforce the demand to the federal government for an increase in regionalisation funds. This is considered crucial to ensure a high-quality public transport service even in Bavaria's rural regions. The ongoing development of infrastructure remains a central concern for ensuring future-proof mobility in the Free State.
- —More than 39,000 households and 78,000 individuals surveyed in Bavaria.
- —Additional investment of EUR 1.4 million by the Free State for regional data deepening.
- —Data comparable with surveys from 2002, 2008, and 2017.
- —Basis for the Bavaria-wide State Transport Model.
