Schwerin in the mobility check: Citizens urgently demand improvements!

Schwerin in the mobility check: Citizens urgently demand improvements!

In the region around Schwerin, many citizens value their lives, but there are also major challenges that need to be addressed. Over 12,700 people took part in the “Heimatcheck” by Nordkurier and Schweriner Volkszeitung to express their opinions. A key concern of those surveyed is mobility, especially in rural areas. The connection to local public transport is often inadequate. How SVZ reports, citizens complain about long journeys to the nearest bus stops, which in many cases are simply too far away.

According to the survey, smaller communities with around 700 residents are particularly in focus: they often lack basic infrastructure such as doctors and retail stores. In addition, there are hardly any meeting places such as cafés or beer gardens that could promote community life. A proposal was made to build a community center in Herren Steinfeld to remedy this deficiency.

The mobility problem

The challenges of mobility in rural areas are complex. Data shows that 60% of all journeys in rural areas are made by car or other motor vehicle. Local public transport (ÖPNV) remains unattractive due to low frequency and limited service times. Especially during the holidays, when sometimes only one bus runs per day, people feel the restrictions first-hand. bpb highlights that the CO2 footprint is significantly higher in rural areas, which is due not only to mobility problems but also to the decreasing number of jobs.

The inadequate connection not only affects public transport, but also the use of bicycles. Residents would like to see better cycle paths, for example from Herren Steinfeld to the B104, which would create additional mobility options. In addition, there is a tendency towards migration from rural areas, as many feel disadvantaged and demand better transport connections.

Innovative solutions in sight

To address these mobility problems, new solutions are needed. Innovative offerings, such as autonomous minibuses or car sharing, could theoretically help, but these must be specifically tailored to the needs of the rural population. Projects to test autonomous shuttles are already being planned Linga reported. These could help reduce barriers to mobility, especially for people with limited mobility.

The survey, boosted by the draw of cash prizes, provides a valuable opportunity to hear the voices of people in the region. It shows that the quality of life in the region is valued despite the existing challenges. But it remains to be hoped that those responsible will take the needs of citizens seriously and work on a noticeable improvement in mobility offerings.