Hahn, Andreas
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Publication Access status: Open Access , The Idleness of Mobility Behaviour – Contributions and Challenges of Subsidisation and Digitalisation to Turn the Tide in Favor of Sustainable Public Transport(2026-03-24)This dissertation examines how innovative mobility concepts, price mechanisms, and technological developments influence mobility behaviour, the acceptance of sustainable modes of transport, and the future design of public transport (PT) in Germany. Drawing on Vincent Kaufmann’s concept of mobility as a form of social action potential, mobility is understood as the interplay of structural access, individual capabilities, and cultural processes of appropriation. The dissertation thus addresses a research gap at the intersection of behavioural economics, social sciences, and technological mobility research. The work employs a mixed-method design combining quantitative analyses on price and subsidy mechanisms (Studies 1–3) with qualitative investigations on digitalisation and autonomous buses (Studies 4–6). User surveys, regression models, expert interviews, and scenario-based explorations provide a differentiated empirical picture of current and potential mobility dynamics. The findings reveal that price incentives – such as climate tickets or rising fuel prices – can trigger short-term shifts in the modal split, yet do not induce a sustained shift away from private motorised transport (PMT) in the absence of structural improvements. Once subsidies run out, PMT is frequently chosen again, particularly in regions with limited PT quality. Price mechanisms thus unfold their effectiveness only in combination with reliable, spatially accessible, and userfriendly services – a core dimension of Kaufmann’s mobility concept. Furthermore, the results show that ecological motivation is constrained by economic conditions. During periods of economic volatility, financial considerations tend to dominate mobility decisions. Socially balanced fare models and targeted subsidies are therefore central prerequisites for socially viable mobility strategies. Digitalisation offers the potential to structurally reduce deficits in PT provision. Digital bus stop concepts, real-time information and mobility platforms improve accessibility and the user experience, while on-demand services enhance flexibility, particularly in rural areas. However, the success of digital innovations ultimately depends on societal acceptance. The studies indicate that, although autonomous buses are regarded as a response to the growing shortage of bus drivers, reservations persist, especially among younger users, driven less by technical concerns and more by social and work-related considerations. The findings show implications for three groups of stakeholders. For policy makers, a systemic approach is required that integrates pricing, infrastructure development, and digitalisation. For mobility users, the results highlight that conscious mode choice, digital competencies, and active participation in feedback or planning processes constitute essential elements of stable modal-shift dynamics. Transport companies face the challenge of evolving from reactive service providers to strategic designers of multimodal mobility environments that integrate physical, digital, and fare-related components. Overall, the studies demonstrate that sustainable modal shift is not the result of isolated measures but emerges from the multifaceted interaction of structural, cultural, and technological factors. Transforming PT therefore requires long-term, socially balanced, and technologically adaptive strategies. Looking ahead, digital innovations, autonomous driving, and integrative subsidy structures will be key components of a mobility culture that aligns ecological objectives with social participation and everyday functionality. This dissertation thus contributes to the theoretical foundation and empirical analysis of the mobility transition and identifies central avenues for future national and international research.Source Type:Doctoral Thesis4 3
