Satisfaction with mobility in German cities is falling

The German ADAC automobile club recently conducted a survey assessing the satisfaction levels of residents and commuters in 15 major German cities regarding urban mobility. The findings indicate a nationwide decrease in satisfaction compared to a similar study conducted in 2017.

Source: SAZBike

The ADAC Monitor 2024, titled “Mobile in the City“, focused on the experiences of car drivers, public transport users, cyclists, and pedestrians in cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The results reveal a growing dissatisfaction with urban mobility, with car drivers expressing the highest levels of discontent. Conversely, pedestrians consistently reported the highest satisfaction levels in their respective cities, while public transport users maintained a steady level of satisfaction. Cyclists, though generally more content than car drivers, fell behind pedestrians and public transport users in overall satisfaction.

Dresden and Leipzig retained their top positions from the 2017 survey, with Dresden showing improvement this time. Munich, Nuremberg, and Hanover were close behind, while Stuttgart, Cologne, and Duisburg found themselves at the lower end of the satisfaction scale. The survey also highlighted a notable decline in satisfaction in Saxony and across the nation. Dresden experienced a minor drop of four rating points, whereas Leipzig recorded a more substantial decline of 14 points. The overall average satisfaction score decreased by nine rating points, indicating a general dissatisfaction with urban mobility.

ADAC emphasizes that the survey reflects the sentiments of mobile individuals in cities and does not provide an assessment of the actual state of infrastructure or mobility offerings. Helmut Büschke, ADAC Saxony’s board member for traffic and technology, underscored the importance of cities closely examining such surveys to address the consistent downward trend. He urged a holistic approach, emphasizing the need for ideas and adjustments across all forms of mobility rather than focusing solely on individual groups. As mobility dissatisfaction continues to rise, cities are encouraged to proactively respond to prevent further discontent among citizens and commuters.