Moving Frankfurt Forward: A Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility
Frankfurt city legislators pave the path for transportation transformation - City council in Frankfurt approves traffic transformation plan
Frankfurt, the vibrant city in the heart of Germany, has taken a significant stride in reinventing its mobility landscape. The city council has given a thumbs-up to the "Masterplan Mobility," marking a crucial milestone in the city's development. Traffic commissioner Wolfgang Siefert (Greens), beaming with pride, hailed it as a game-changer.
The Masterplan focuses on fostering a sustainable, intelligent, and eco-friendly transportation system. The plan, delayed for two years, targets improving mobility, safety, health protection, and logistics while prioritizing the needs of its residents. The plan's philosophy revolves around considering the ecological, economic, and social aspects of transportation, with a particular emphasis on making Frakfurt an eminently walkable and bikable city. By 2035, the city aims to account for 80% of all journeys through these eco-friendly means. As of 2018, these modes of transport accounted for 63%.
In the alley of ambition, the Masterplan outlines various initiatives:
- Expansion of Cycling Infrastructure: Committing to a robust cycling ecosystem, the city plans to construct extensive bike lanes and invest in cycling-friendly urban designs to cater to the growing demand for pedal commuters.
- Strengthening Public Transport: The Masterplan seeks to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public transport, streamlining connections and services to create an attractive alternative to private vehicles.
- Establishing Low-Traffic Zones: Implementation of low-traffic zones will discourage private vehicle use, especially in residential and pedestrian-friendly areas.
- Increasing Parking Fees: The city aims to indirectly discourage private vehicle use through higher parking fees, thereby incentivizing the use of public transport, cycling, or walking.
- Appointment of a Pedestrian and Logistics Coordinator: To ensure a seamless integration of pedestrian traffic, bicycle lanes, and efficient logistics, a dedicated coordinator will be appointed.
- Promotion of E-Mobility:Frameworks will be established to promote eco-friendly electric vehicles, be it through subsidies, incentives, or charging infrastructure.
- Expanding Car-Sharing Offers: The city will work towards expanding the car-sharing landscape, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to private car ownership.
The goal is audacious yet attainable: climate neutrality in the transport sector by 2035, a drastic reduction in noise pollution levels, and slashing road accident fatalities.
Critics have raised their voices against the new plan, with skepticism from parts of the opposition and the business community. Some believe that the plan unfairly targets car owners, declaring them the enemy. However, a collective statement by several Frankfurt organizations, including the Chamber of Crafts, the IHK, the Taxi Association, and the Automobile Club of Germany, fears that a one-sided anti-car policy might inadvertently drive away customers, suppliers, and employees.
With this Masterplan, Frankfurt takes the lead in advocating for a sustainable urban mobility system, replacing the overall traffic plan of 2005. By meeting the EU's requirement to submit a comprehensive sustainable mobility strategy by 2027, the city has positioned itself at the forefront of the urban mobility movement nationwide.
The Masterplan was introduced in 2023 following extensive collaborations with administration, science, and the public, making Frankfurt one of the first German cities to publish a comprehensive transport strategy.
- In line with the Masterplan Mobility, Frankfurt is also emphasizing the importance of sustainable policies within its community and workforce, aiming to implement eco-friendly practices in the 'Community policy' and 'Employment policy'.
- As part of their environmental initiatives, the city council is encouraging its residents to adopt a greener lifestyle by promoting recycling, energy conservation, and reduction of carbon footprint through educational programs in 'lifestyle' and 'home-and-garden' sectors.
- Recognizing the impact of climate change on the environment, the city is incorporating 'climate-change' studies into its educational curriculum, with a focus on 'environmental-science' to empower the younger generation with knowledge and awareness to combat these challenges.
