A Regional Matter
Thinking about the transformation of the transport sector, one often has cities with good public transport and cycle paths in mind. But what does transformation look like in smaller cities and rural areas? The region Baden-Württemberg is a pioneer for systematic and comprehensive implementation in cities and rural areas.
Interview with Winfried Hermann, elaborated by Jonathan De Vriendt, with contributions by Raoul Schmidt-Lamontain, Matthias Proske, Anke Karmann-Woessner, Nicolas Leyva, and Nadine Müller.
POLIS: In the region of Baden-Württemberg, only around one-fifth of inhabitants live in bigger cities. What does this imply for mobility?
Winfried Hermann: Baden-Württemberg is a state of eleven million citizens—about the same population as Belgium. However, as you noted, most of our citizens live in smaller cities or rural areas, which calls for varied mobility needs and patterns between urban and rural settings. As a regional government, we need to provide tailored solutions and instruments to meet these different demands.
This is reflected in our targets for 2030: we aim to have half of all freight transported by climate-neutral means, double public transport use, and ensure that one in every two cars is powered by renewable energy. Additionally, one in two trips should be made by walking or cycling, and car traffic will be reduced by 20% both in cities and rural areas. However, since cars will continue to play a greater role in rural areas than in cities, the target for reducing car traffic varies between the two. Furthermore, the electrification of vehicles is also crucial, especially in rural areas, where it will have an even greater impact.
POLIS: How are these goals implemented in suburban or rural areas?
Hermann: I will use the example of our goal to double the number of passengers on public buses and trains by 2030, compared to 2010. The state government committed to connecting every corner of Baden-Württemberg to public transport, from 5 a.m. to midnight, whether in large cities or small towns. During peak hours, we aim for a minimum frequency of every 15 minutes in urban areas and every 30 minutes in rural areas. In smaller towns and villages where demand is lower, we are fostering flexible on-demand services by providing funding support. Public transport can only become a viable alternative to private cars if it offers guaranteed travel options by bus and train.
Cycling is another crucial element of our mobility strategy. If we want to make cycling a leading transport mode, we need safe, continuous, and well-designed cycle lanes. Together with our municipalities, we have developed a statewide cycling network called RadNETZ, which ensures a consistent standard of bikeways across the state. Furthermore, we are expanding bike highways throughout our state—about 20 are being built by the state itself, while others receive substantial funding.
POLIS: Can you give examples of what makes transport planning distinct on a regional scale?
Hermann: For example, we have introduced new trains specifically for commuters, which we call metro express lines, or MEX. These MEX lines run along commuter routes and provide fast, direct access to the city. How does the concept work? Outside the dense metropolitan transport networks, MEX trains stop at every station, ensuring that even commuters in the smallest towns are served. Once the train enters the urban transport network, it runs directly to the city centre without additional stops.
Another instrument is ‘Ortsmitte’, which aims to enhance the liveability of rural and suburban areas by managing through-traffic. Baden-Württemberg has developed a systematic approach to creating lively and traffic-calmed town centres, supporting municipalities by:
- Offering funding to redesign main roads in town centres;
- Providing legal and planning expertise and helping with funding applications;
- Conducting quality assessments of main roads;
- Using a visualisation tool to create images that show how redesigned road sections could look;
- Temporarily redesigning roads by lending street furniture, which helps build public support for permanent solutions.
POLIS: How do ensure both urban and rural areas are addressed, rather than just focusing on pilot schemes? What structural instruments are in place?
Funding personnel,
KEA-BW—KEA Klimaschutz- und Energieagentur Baden-Württemberg GmbH
Hermann: In Baden-Württemberg, we developed the Climate and Mobility Concept, which serves as a regional Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). It includes 28 concrete measures, with each addressing the unique needs and interrelation between urban and rural areas. The concept was refined through discussions with various associations and input from a citizens’ panel.
We are also working on a State Mobility Act that will guide local and state administrations by setting clear goals and obligations. This legal framework introduces instruments such as digital parking management and third-party funding for public transport. In terms of financial support, we focus on three dimensions:
- Long-term funding for traffic infrastructure;
- Staffing support: We provide funding for around 200 traffic experts in local authorities across the region, covering areas like electromobility and cycling;
- Funding local mobility concepts, including simpler plans for smaller cities and specialised concepts for walking and shared mobility.
Moreover, we created ‘regional mobility pacts,’ a format for regional dialogue and informal cooperation among local authorities, the private sector, and citizens. State agencies also offer extensive networking and advisory services for mobility and transport planners.
POLIS: What is your vision for mobility and transport in the region?
Hermann: Our vision is for good, climate-friendly mobility that enhances the quality of life for everyone! Various surveys we have conducted confirm that many people in our region want to use sustainable transport modes. They want a reliable public transport system and good cycling infrastructure. Citizens have sent a clear message through participation processes: ‘The transport transformation needs to happen quickly and boldly!’
To achieve this, regional and municipal cooperation is essential, particularly in providing safe and comfortable cycling and walking infrastructures, as well as regular and reliable public transport. In Baden-Württemberg, planning instruments such as the state development plan and SUMPs are key for aligning strategies. We also need to continuously consider the connections between rural and urban areas, ensuring that spatial and settlement development is closely integrated with mobility services.
Climate-friendly, socially just mobility offers many benefits: better quality of life, lower emissions, less noise, cleaner air, greater safety, and overall improved mobility. We believe in this vision and are systematically working towards its implementation.
Meet the cities and regions of Baden Württemberg
POLIS: How does the region contribute to the overall mobility landscape in Baden-Württemberg, and what specific initiatives set your region apart?
From top to bottom: Karlsruhe’s tram; Heidelberg's station; Friedrichstrasse in Stuttgart,
Anna List; VGV MEDIA; Anna Linda Knoll
Karlsruhe Region: The Karlsruhe Region plays a crucial role in Baden-Württemberg’s mobility sector, with a focus on sustainable and low-emission solutions. Located between the Middle-Upper Rhine and the northern Black Forest, the region covers over 2,000 km² and is home to a million people. Our mobility heritage is rich, with pioneers like Karl von Drais, the inventor of the bicycle, and Carl Friedrich Benz, the automobile pioneer, hailing from here. The region’s local transport system has been modelled internationally, and we are advancing projects like urban air mobility. One of our flagship projects is regiomove, where we have developed a multi- and intermodal mobility network. Citizens can make seamless journeys using the regiomove app and mobility hubs, called ports. Cycling is also a priority, with the ambitious goal of 30% of journeys being made cycling by 2030. Fast cycle connections are already being implemented to help achieve this.
Heidelberg: Heidelberg is redefining its transport strategy with the Klimamobilitätsplan (Climate Mobility Plan), providing a comprehensive framework for mobility projects through to 2035. This plan integrates all modes of transport—pedestrian, bicycle, public, and motorised—while considering the specific needs of commuters, visitors, and residents. It also includes a Sustainable Urban Mobility Masterplan, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions in the urban mobility sector, as well as a bicycle strategy co-developed by a Dutch team.
Heidelberg’s Corporate Mobility Management programme supports businesses by offering expert reviews of their mobility needs. Tailored mobility plans help companies optimise employee commutes and reduce costs, with four to eight businesses fully funded for this analysis each year. The city is also pioneering hydrogen-powered public transport in collaboration with the local transport association, rnv, and has established the region's first hydrogen refuelling station. Additionally, Heidelberg is part of the EU-funded REALLOCATE project on sustainable urban mobility seeking to influence other cities with its experience and innovations.
Stuttgart: Stuttgart and the Stuttgart Region work closely together within a shared functional urban area. Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is the centre of one of Europe’s leading economic and high-tech regions. We focus on providing equitable access to all forms of mobility while minimising environmental impact. The Sustainable Regional Mobility Plan and Stuttgart’s Action Plan for Sustainable Mobility guide our strategic direction. These plans promote cooperation between Stuttgart, the region, and transport operators in developing the public transport network, Park & Ride facilities, and the RegioRadStuttgart bike-sharing system. Stuttgart is also engaged in corporate mobility management, intelligent traffic systems, and energy-efficient mobility projects.
POLIS: In what ways do the mobility strategies and initiatives led by Baden-Württemberg improve transport planning within your city?
Karlsruhe Region: Baden-Württemberg’s RadNETZ initiative has improved cycling infrastructure, and the KlimaMobil programme supports parking reorganisation in the Karlsruhe Region. Our urban transport plan, including the Programme for Active Mobility, focuses on enhancing pedestrian and cycling traffic. Karlsruhe Region also has Germany’s top car-sharing system and is a test site for autonomous driving.
Heidelberg: Heidelberg contributes to the state’s goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030. A key project has been converting a state road into dedicated lanes for motorised vehicles and bicycles, improving commuter routes. This initiative supports the goal of increasing bicycle journeys to 20% by 2030.
Regiomove Port in Baden-Baden, RVMO
Stuttgart: Baden-Württemberg’s funding schemes are crucial for Stuttgart and the region’s transport development. Long-term funding supports rail network extensions, bus fleet expansions, and depot improvements. The Climate Mobility Plan, developed with the state, helps implement sustainable transport measures.
POLIS: What role does your region’s collaboration within POLIS play in advancing local and regional mobility objectives?
Karlsruhe Region: As new members of POLIS, we have involved key regional players and are excited to host #POLIS24, engaging with European cities on low-emission and cross-border mobility solutions.
Heidelberg: Heidelberg joined POLIS in 2024 and is building its network within the organisation. We look forward to learning from other members about managing diversified mobility landscapes.
Stuttgart: POLIS is an invaluable platform for Stuttgart and the region, enabling us to exchange best practices and learn from international peers. This helps shape our mobility policies and ensure they align with European objectives.
About the contributors:
Interviewee: Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport Ministry of Transport Baden-Württemberg. Hermann is Minister of Transport in Baden-Württemberg since 2011. A sustainable new mobility is the guiding principle of his policy. Human beings, their health, and mobility needs and the environment are central priorities of all activities for him. Minister Hermann is member of the Green Party and of the State Parliament.
Interviewer: Jonathan De Vriendt, Membership & Communications Manager. De Vriendt ensures that all POLIS members stay happy, heard, and well-informed. He helps new members find their way in POLIS, with its unique resources, networking opportunities, and support for European projects. De Vriendt oversees all membership actions with specific attention to the needs of cities and regions. He also supports the work of the Urban Freight Working Group.
Contributors:
Raoul Schmidt-Lamontain, Mayor for Climate Protection, Environment, and Mobility, City of Heidelberg. Schmidt-Lamontain, born in 1976, is an engineer by training with expertise in mobility and urban planning. He was Dresden’s Alderman for Urban Development and Transport and is now Heidelberg’s Mayor for Climate Protection, Environment, and Mobility, focusing on sustainable urban transport among other topics.
Matthias Proske, Director, Regional Planning, Association Middle Upper Rhine. Dr. Proske is director of the Regional Planning Association Middle Upper Rhine since 2022. Before that, he was working for different ministries, planning associations, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He studied spatial planning and made his PhD at TU Kaiserslautern, where he also teaches regularly.
Anke Karmann-Woessner, Head of City Planning, City of Karlsruhe. Prof. Dr. Karmann-Woessner is head of the city planning department of Karlsruhe since 2013. She studied Architecture at TU Darmstadt and made her PhD in Public Law at TU Kaiserslautern. She has a Honorary Professorship at Hochschule Nürtingen.
Nicolas Leyva, Deputy Head of Department and Team Leader, Policy Department for Climate Protection, Mobility and Housing, State Capital Stuttgart. Leyva joined the State Capital Stuttgart in 2004. He works in the Mobility Department and is responsible, among other topics, for the City’s carsharing strategy. Nicolas is from Colombia, where he studied architecture. In Germany, he did a master and PhD in urban planning. Leyva has specialised in the field of urban planning through his work in the city administration.
Nadine Müller, Officer for Transport and Spatial Planning, Planning Department of Verband Region Stuttgart. Müller oversees regional transport planning, accompanies spatial planning procedures, deals with the further development of the Sustainable Regional Mobility Plan of the Verband Region Stuttgart and its transport demand model, and participates in international programs.
Tourismus Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg (TMBW)