Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

The Implications of a Co-Created Software Solution for Mobility in Rural Areas

Version 1 : Received: 16 August 2023 / Approved: 16 August 2023 / Online: 17 August 2023 (03:15:49 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Eichholz, L. The Implications of a Co-Created Software Solution for Mobility in Rural Areas. Smart Cities 2023, 6, 2706-2721. Eichholz, L. The Implications of a Co-Created Software Solution for Mobility in Rural Areas. Smart Cities 2023, 6, 2706-2721.

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges of providing services of general interest in rural areas of Germany and proposes co-created mobility software solutions to address the specific needs of these regions. The research is part of the Smarte.Land.Regionen project, which aims to improve digital public services at the district level. Focusing on rural mobility, the paper introduces the concept of ride-sharing benches as a potential solution. Through workshops, surveys and market research, the study identifies barriers to the adoption of ride-sharing benches and investigates factors contributing to their success. The proposed software solution emphasizes user-centered development, geographic location of benches and prioritized matching of passengers. Findings highlight safety concerns, lack of reliability, and the importance of getting people who are theoretically interested in solutions to actively participate in them. The paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative development with county stakeholders. Future research should focus on sustaining and scaling digital solutions, measuring their impact on rural mobility, and ensuring their transferability to other regions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to inclusive and sustainable rural development by improving access to digital public services and promoting the adoption of tailored mobility solutions.

Keywords

smart region; shared mobility; rural mobility; ride-sharing benches; co-creation; software development

Subject

Social Sciences, Urban Studies and Planning

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.