Why everyone has a stake in the urban transport systems of the future
Shaping the future.
Why everyone has a stake in the urban transport systems of the future
Alexandra König is a psychologist working at the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems in Braunschweig. Together with her team, she conducts research into mobility-on-demand concepts for user-centric city transport systems.
Our world is in a constant state of flux. Our transport system is changing rapidly. Recent developments affecting energy supply are putting it under increased pressure, along with new user demands.
In response to these trends, I’m seeking to design needs-based city transport that is more flexible and accessible. This will make local public transport more appealing for a wider range of population groups, which in turn will help us implement the energy transition. The key concept is mobility on demand. Ideally, transport should only be used when really necessary and everyone should be able to use modes of transport on an equal basis.
„I’m devising needs-based solutions in conjunction with transport operators“
Our institute focuses on designing and evaluating mobility solutions. I completed my doctorate in 2016 in the Human Factors department, where we concentrate on the relationship between people and technology. That means researching the mobility needs of professional and private users and developing concepts for integrating these requirements into transport planning. We perform extensive live testing of the concepts together with transport operators. A lot of the ideas we’ve come up with have already proven their worth. It’s great to come across our products and services every now and then when we’re out on the streets.
„Inclusion plays an important role in our research“
Redesigning the transport system requires an integrated approach, so we work across different disciplines – something that our students really appreciate.This gives them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different fields of research and to obtain multiple perspectives on a project.
HEAT project shuttle bus with entry and exit ramps
We also use a variety of methods and facilities, allowing our research to cover a very broad range. We conduct qualitative and quantitative research using statistical programs, interviews, workshops and ‘serious games’ – digital learning games that convey concepts in a playful way. We also have driving simulators at our disposal.
As part of the EU funding programme, I took on the TRIPS project (German link) and conducted interviews in seven European cities. We then tested the resulting concept live. It is very important to us that our concepts take all users into account – that they are inclusive. Modern solutions that use scooters, for example, are not inclusive; we focus on shuttle buses instead. In the MOIA project, we have set up the largest European long-term study of ridesharing.
Would you like to contribute your knowledge at our Institute of Transportation Systems to make a difference in future road traffic? See here for our current job listings.
Like Alexandra König, all researchers at DLR pursue their tasks with curiosity and passion every day. They are free to focus all their energy on research and carry out pioneering work in the areas of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation.
What do our researchers value at DLR?
a personnel policy that offers equal opportunities and is family-friendly
flexible working time models and 30 days annual leave
further education, communication and leadership training
comprehensive services for childcare and dependents in need of care, provided by an external cooperation partner
a management culture based on respect
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