Research into increasing sustainable mobility

PostBus Switzerland Ltd is thinking ahead and addressing current and future mobility challenges. In a three-year joint research project (2009-2011) with the EPFL Transportation Center in Lausanne, PostBus carried out independent scientific research into the following questions: How are customer needs changing in the conurbations served by PostBus? How can travelling by PostBus be made even easier and even more enjoyable? What inspires people to use PostBus and public transport, and what new combined mobility options would encourage even greater usage?

Results of customer survey

The comprehensive customer survey was carried out in conurbations served by PostBus and incorporated both close and outlying areas. Comprehensive questionnaires were supplied to 20,000 households in the cantons of Valais, Jura, Neuchâtel, Berne, Basel-Landschaft, Aargau, Solothurn, St. Gallen and Graubünden. The response rate was around 10%, or 2,000 persons.

Scientific analysis of the survey responses shows:

1. How the existing service range can be further improved.
2. Which new services, for example bike-sharing and electric bike-sharing, could be added to the service range.
3. How important PostBus is in general in the mobility chain and thus also as an integral part of the mobility system.
4. What customers and non-customers think about PostBus.

The complete scientific report from EPFL is available for download in French (Rapport Optima EPFL). A summary of the results relevant to PostBus is also available in German, French and Italian (Factsheet Optima).

Basis for customer survey

The focus of the research project was on the choice of transport mode and on which new, customer-friendly services would help to promote combined mobility. Analysing the choice of transport mode is a complex undertaking. Mobility and the associated choice of transport mode are affected by both personal and communal factors. Elements such as where people live, where they work, their family situations and their leisure habits play a significant role. To analyse the key factors involved in sustainable transport mode selection and to develop new mobility choices, EPFL began by carrying out a literature analysis (Synthèse de l’état de l’art). Next, the mobility habits of a small group of people was analysed in detail using GPS and interviews (Mobilité et modes de vie). This preparatory work formed the basis for the comprehensive customer survey.

Benefits for purchasers of public transport services

Part of the project was to develop courses of action which will enable cantons, cities, conurbations and municipalities to assess and exploit local customer potential for combined mobility in a targeted manner. There is now a pool of ideas that will allow circulation routes using public transport and combined modes of transport to be further improved and simplified. With the support of the purchasers, PostBus can thus make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of mobility.

	Michel Bierlaire Director of the EPFL Transportation Center Director of the Transport and Mobility Laboratory     Transportation Center EPFLThe link will open in a new window

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