The Germans are considered a driving nation – and the car remains the most popular means of transport, even if many consider improving the rail network to be the most urgent task.
According to a survey, a large majority in Germany is dissatisfied with the state of the transport network. According to this, 62 percent are in favor of higher government investments in transport infrastructure – even if this would come at the expense of culture or social spending.
This is what the demoscopes from Yougov determined on behalf of HUK Coburg. More than a third – 35 percent – consider improving the rail network to be the most important task. 18 percent said that a better road network should be a priority, 13 percent advocated better bicycle paths.
The insurance company today published the new edition of its annual mobility survey. A total of 4,101 participants aged 16 and over were surveyed in January and February.
Over two thirds agreed with the statement that the German transport network does not correspond to that of a modern industrial country. A good 40 percent each advocated lower ticket prices for buses and trains and an expansion of public transport services.
Many are skeptical that a traffic turnaround is possible
According to the survey, a majority of 57 percent believe that shifting more traffic from road to rail makes sense – but at the same time they do not believe that this is possible in Germany. Only 18 percent declared this to be “basically the right strategy that also works.” HUK Coburg board member Jörg Rheinländer called for “clarity and consistency in state programs and strategies.”
As with the previous surveys in recent years, however, there is nothing to indicate that a majority of the population would be willing to give up cars: 72 percent, just as many as a year ago said that cars – whether with a conventional engine, electric or other alternative drive – are theirs personal criteria when choosing the means of transport.
Electric cars and bicycles have lost popularity
Since the corona pandemic, cycling has lost a lot of popularity again: only 16 percent named the bicycle as their preferred means of transport, compared to 26 percent in the second year of the pandemic in 2021.
According to the survey, electric cars have lost some of their popularity again. Only 13 percent said that the only option they would consider the next time they bought a car was an electric car. In 2023, 17 percent said yes, and in 2022 even 19 percent said so. However, there is a clear age gap in this regard. Electric cars are therefore much more popular among the younger generation than among older people.
Source: Stern
