Good location: quiet streets and green living preferred

Those who have a choice prefer traffic-calmed areas for living. Access to national roads and local and long-distance public transport is also important to most people. At the same time, the residential area should be quiet, green and healthy. Modern traffic concepts are needed to make both wishes possible.

Urban planners and politicians are currently discussing how to reconcile the often contradictory living requirements. There is talk of the 15-minute city, in which all everyday errands can be completed on foot in 15 minutes. Because our cities and residential areas are not yet prepared for this, the bicycle has gained in importance.

The German Federal Ministry of Transport writes: "Whether as a means of transport to work, school or training, for leisure or vacation: the bicycle is more in vogue than ever in Germany." Bicycle traffic has increased during the Corona pandemic. More than 80 percent of Germans use bicycles, and the same number own one. Three or more bicycles are in 30 percent of households. 55 percent consider it an essential mode of transportation.

Better utilization of local and long-distance public transport would also significantly relieve residential areas of car traffic. The trial introduction of the 9-euro ticket provides an indication of the extent to which changes are possible. Those responsible and experts are taking stock - and thinking about permanent successor offers for local public transport (LPT).

In 2020, private households spent an average of around EUR 24 per month on bus, rail and cab services. This also includes long-distance transport. Compared with the pre-Corona year, household spending fell by an average of around 27 percent.

In 2020, households spent almost eight times as much money on car maintenance and use as on buses, trains and cabs. Expenditure - including on fuel, spare parts, maintenance, parking or MOT fees, and vehicle tax and insurance - added up to an average of 185 euros a month in 2020.

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