Prospects for public mobility service provision in rural areas.

摘要

Demographic change in rural areas often means that stationary provision of social and other services is no longer economic. Mobile facilities such as libraries and citizens' advice bureaux are possible solutions, but falling demand may also mean that people need to travel to sources of products and services. Rural public transport is increasingly subject to cutbacks, but individual vehicle ownership does not meet all mobility requirements. New concepts and structures are needed. Public mobility is not just a requirement for those with no alternative because of age, health problems, or financial hardship. Accessibility of rural areas helps to encourage younger people to stay there and improves business and tourism prospects. Some steps towards developing a sustainable mobility culture have been taken under EU-supported LEADER schemes in the eastern German province of Brandenburg, following a bottom-up strategy at all stages. Examples include a tourist bus service with facilities for carrying bicycles, linking railway stations and landscape highlights, for both visitors and local people. In another district a "Citizens' Bus" service, with minibuses operated by volunteer drivers, has been established. Elsewhere, transport information is provided by multi-functional "service stations" run by individuals and groups.