Low population density, dispersed settlement structures, long distances between locations for living, working and supply and a limited public transport service already characterise many rural regions in Germany.
Demographic change is intensifying the negative consequences of these structures. A decline in the number of pupils means for the rural public transport a disappearing of its main source of funding.
Increasingly individualised mobility needs are leading to a demand that is difficult to bundle and thus can hardly be met by conventional public transport.
Mobility offers in rural areas must change and adapt to these new conditions. They must become more flexible and also involve new actors and sources of funding.