How can flexible mobility services improve local public transport and make the so-called "last mile" more efficient? The Hochschule Niederrhein's (HSNR) SWK E² Institute invites all interested parties to the final public dialogue of the BestMOD research project.
The event will take place on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 15:45 at the Krefeld South Campus (Room JE 14/15, J-Building, Obergath 79). Citizens will have the opportunity to find out about innovative transport concepts and join in the discussion. Admission is free. Registration via www.bestmod.nrw is required.
Mobility on demand: between practice and research
The event starts at 4 pm with a series of lectures. First, Henry Steinbach from the Digital Transport Systems Competence Centre (KCD) will give an overview of the status of Mobility on Demand in North Rhine-Westphalia. He will highlight both the potential and challenges of current services and present the planned state-wide Mobility on Demand platform.
Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and HSNR will then provide insights into the results of the BestMOD project. The Hochschule Niederrhein, the SWK E² - Institute of Energy Technology and Energy Management and the University of Duisburg-Essen jointly conducted the study. Eva Gößwein (UDE) reports on household surveys on mobility behaviour and the choice of means of transport in the region. Eva Spachtholz (UDE) explains how microscopic traffic simulations are used to determine travelling and waiting times. Finally, Lukas Spengler from HSNR will present cost-benefit analyses of various future scenarios.
"The future of mobility will not be determined by large tech companies alone," emphasises Professor Dr Marc Gennat from the Faculty of Industrial Engineering at HSNR. "Transport companies in NRW can and will play an active role in shaping the future of mobility. Science is making important contributions to this, as the BestMOD project impressively demonstrates."
Discussion and exchange welcome
At 5 p.m., the panel will open up for questions and discussions. What role do on-demand transport services play as a feeder to scheduled services? How can new services be designed to be economically viable? These and other questions can be discussed with the experts. The event will end with an open exchange with finger food and drinks.
