Shifting Amsterdam-style: Frankfurt's Game-Changing Mobility Blueprint
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Frankfurt's city council paves the path for a transport reversal. - City council of Frankfurt adopts road traffic modification plan
Prepare to witness some seismic changes in the bustling city of Frankfurt! The city council has given a green light to the "Masterplan Mobility" - a transformative move that'll steer the city towards an eco-friendly mobility future. Traffic commissioner Wolfgang Siefert (Greens) hailed it as a "giant leap" for the city.
This long-awaited initiative, inevitably delayed by two years, revolves around sustainable transportation, smart traffic management, cutting-edge logistics, health protection, and traffic safety. At its core, it's all about prioritizing the needs of people, regardless of the mode of transportation. "The focus is on the comfort and convenience of the public, keeping in mind the ecological, economic, and social implications," the department declares. Particular emphasis lies with pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. By 2035, it's aiming for these three groups to account for 80 percent of journeys - a significant boost from the 63 percent share in 2018.
Enhancing Mobility for the People
According to the plan, enhancing citizen-friendly mobility will help Frankfurt solidify its status as a vibrant and livable city, adhering to a consistent expansion of space-efficient, eco-friendly transportation options. Proposed strategies include:
- Expansion of Cycling Infrastructure: Augmenting bike lanes to cut down on traffic congestion and encourage healthier transportation choices.
- Strengthening Public Transport: Boosting the efficiency of public transportation, maximizing the use of electric or hybrid buses, and optimizing routes for seamless connections.
- Establishment of Low-Traffic Zones: Designating areas that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, reducing traffic and increasing safety.
- Increase in Parking Fees: Encouraging car use reduction by implementing higher parking fees in congested areas.
- Appointment of Pedestrian and Logistics Officer: Having a dedicated official to oversee both pedestrian-friendly initiatives and efficient logistics operations.
- Promotion of E-Mobility: Encouraging businesses and individuals to adopt electric vehicles.
- Expansion of Car-Sharing Services: Boosting car-sharing options to minimize personal vehicle ownership.
Expected Outcomes
These measures aim to yield multiple benefits, such as:
- Climate Neutrality in the Transport Sector by 2035: Significant emissions reduction through the widespread use of eco-friendly transportation options.
- Reduction in Noise Pollution: Implementing quieter transportation infrastructure to create a more peaceful urban environment.
- Significant Reduction in Road Traffic Fatalities and Severe Injuries: Increased safety measures and stricter traffic regulations to ensure a safer city for all.
Controversy among the Business Community
Certain sections of the opposition have expressed vehement disapproval. The CDU famously said, "The car is the enemy," symbolizing their stance. But it's not just the political sphere that's controversial; the business community has raised concerns as well. Critics argue that the one-sided anti-car policy might drive away customers, suppliers, and employees with personal vehicles. Multiple Frankfurt organizations, including the Chamber of Crafts, the IHK, the Taxi Association, and the Automobile Club of Germany have joined forces to make their disagreement clear.
Replacing the 2005 Overall Traffic Plan
Replacing the 17-year-old overall traffic plan, Frankfurt now meets the EU's requirement for submitting a sustainable mobility strategy by 2027. After lengthy negotiations, the coalition of Greens, SPD, FDP, and Volt finally approved the concept in March of this year, marking the beginning of Frankfurt's mobility revolution. First presented in 2023, the master plan emerged from collaboration between the city administration, scientific communities, and the public. Frankfurt joins the ranks of pioneering cities that have published comprehensive mobility strategies aimed at future-proofing transportation and improving city life.
- Frankfurt
- City Council
- Frankfurt am Main
- Logistics
- Focus
Key Measures in Frankfurt's Mobility Strategy:
-Promoting sustainable mobility and logistics-Improving public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure-Reducing traffic congestion and noise pollution-Increasing safety measures for road users
Typical Components of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP):
- Public Transport Enhancements
- Cycling and Walking Infrastructure
- Shared Mobility Services
- Smart Traffic Management Systems
- Intelligent Traffic Data Analysis
- Sustainable Delivery Practices
- Air Quality Improvement Measures
- Noise Reduction Measures
- Safety Infrastructure
- Public Awareness Campaigns for Safe Driving and Pedestrian Safety
- Frankfurt's city council has approved the Masterplan Mobility, a transformative policy aimed at shaping a greener and more eco-friendly mobility future in Frankfurt.
- By prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, the plan targets a significant boost in their share of journeys from 63% to 80% by 2035.
- Key initiatives under this plan include expanding cycling infrastructure, strengthening public transportation, establishing low-traffic zones, and increasing parking fees.
- Frankfurt aims to achieve climate neutrality in the transport sector by 2035, reduce noise pollution, and significantly decrease road traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
- The business community, however, has raised concerns about the anti-car policy, suggesting it could drive away customers, suppliers, and employees with personal vehicles.
- The new mobility strategy replaces the 17-year-old overall traffic plan, meeting the EU's requirement for submitting a sustainable mobility strategy by 2027.
- Key measures in Frankfurt's mobility strategy include promoting sustainable mobility and logistics, improving public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion and noise pollution, and increasing safety measures for road users. These strategies align with the typical components of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP).
