The beginning of April sees the launch of the “Mobilität in Deutschland” (Mobility in Germany, MiD) study, one of the world’s largest mobility surveys. Then, over 180,000 households nationwide will be surveyed within twelve months about their private transport behavior. This fundamental study was commissioned under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport and together with numerous federal states, cities and municipalities, regional transport associations and operators. In total, more than 60 regions are participating in the regional top-ups. As in 2017, the infas Institute for Applied Social Science in Bonn is the main contractor, together with the Institute for Transport Research at DLR, IVT GmbH and infas 360 GmbH. The MiD is surveyed approximately every five years, most recently in 2017.
180,000 households with 360,000 respondents in a one-year survey period
As part of the MiD, one person in each of the 180,000 participating households completes a household questionnaire at baseline. Then, all household members are asked individually to record all trips on one reporting day each. To make it as easy as possible for citizens, this can be done in writing, online or by phone. It is estimated that around one million trips by around 360,000 people are recorded in this way. Reporting days are given evenly to participants over 365 consecutive days. Thus, seasonal and weekday fluctuations in traffic patterns are fully accounted for in the study. Households are selected by a random process.
The study, initiated by the Federal Ministry, is subject to strict data protection regulations for survey research. Participation is voluntary and the information provided by the respondents will only be used anonymously. More in-depth information on the study can be found on the website www.mobilitaet-in-deutschland.de.
Comprehensive content on walking and cycling, public transport and car traffic, and traffic-related CO₂ footprints.
The data is used for both nationwide and regional transportation planning. In addition, as in 2002, 2008, and 2017, they will be made available to the professional scientific community. In addition to the current coverage of everyday mobility, the study deals with various topical issues related to transport. These include home office effects, requirements in walking and cycling, developments in public transport such as through the Deutschlandticket. Also included are developments in automobile transportation, such as the use of electric vehicles. Last but not least, the MiD also addresses environmental impacts and our CO₂ footprint in transport. Mobility participation, for example of handicapped persons, is also being investigated.
Results end 2024
Numerous suggestions for practice and science will result from the wealth of results. After completion of the survey phase in early summer 2024, initial evaluations will be available at the end of 2024. In 2025, this will be expanded to include numerous regional reports.
