Debrecen-Hungary: Integration of remote neighbourhoods through active mobility

How to connect citizens from low density areas to the public transport network through active mobility?

Mobility problems, namely the excessive growth of car traffic, pose a significant challenge to the city of Debrecen. In the 90’s, est. 50 000 cars were used in the streets of the city. This number has doubled by today and will increase rapidly in the forthcoming years without innovative actions.

That is why the Municipality of Debrecen has a significant goal to reduce the city’s car traffic and allow space for sustainable and alternative modes of transport through sustainable and innovative methods. A large part of the city, especially the South and the East and beyond the metropolitan area have low density residential areas. A large number of people commute daily from these areas to the center and to the West part of the city to work and shop. For these reasons, the urban car traffic is a painful challenge for Debrecen, impacted by severe daily road congestions, especially in the central area and other frequently used roads.

The city is looking for ways to connect the commuters from these areas to the Public Transport network with alternative sustainable ways and to engage them to leave their cars at home.

Part of the problem is that many people use their bicycles for urban travel, but their destination is too far for bike only and they are not able leave their bicycles safely near bus stops and frequent transportation hubs. Therefore, people tend to use their cars overall instead of PT or their bicycles.

Goals:

• Increased active mobility / micro mobility usage in the city
• Safe, green, and user-friendly storage solutions for micro mobility vehicles
• Decreased car usage in the city
• Increase in active mobility modes of transport
• Increased number of public transport users in target areas

Published on 8 March, 2023.