More flexible mobility solutions in response to changing modes of living and working

The ways in which our lifestyles and ways of working are altering is having a significant impact on mobility in Switzerland. More and more people are looking for more flexible solutions to meet their mobility requirements. Conventional means of transport are reaching their limits as fixed timetables and restricted options no longer meet the needs of modern society. Flexibility and mobility are now more important than ever to cover everyday transport demands efficiently. In this article, we look at the challenges people face when it comes to mobility. 

Changes in how we live and work  

The ways in which our lifestyles and ways of working are altering is having a significant impact on mobility in Switzerland. More flexible working time models and options to work from home enable people to plan their trips better and relieve traffic burdens. 37.9% (1) of people in Switzerland work part-time, have flexible working hours (47%) (1) or work from home (46%) (2). Adapting to changing ways of living, such as different lifestyles and family structures, requires a wider range of transport options. 

Impact on mobility  

More flexible working time models and the option of working from home have meant that commuters can plan their journeys better. You can organise your working hours flexibly to avoid peak times and thus help reduce traffic. This can contribute to alleviating traffic jams and creating more efficient use of roads, making driving your own car more attractive and stress-free. It also enables people to find a better balance between their leisure activities and professional obligations. 

Adapting to changing lifestyles also requires a wider range of transport options. Different ways of living mean divergent requirements with regard to transportation. Some people may prefer local public transport or cycling for short journeys, while others may value having their own car for flexibility or to meet their own mobility needs. It is important to have different options available to suit personal demands. 

Requirements of commuters, families and single households  

Commuters have specific prerequisites when it comes to mobility. They need flexible solutions to meet the demands of their working hours. This may mean that they rely on different modes of transport, depending on whether they have to travel to work early in the morning or late at night, how far apart the start and end points are, whether this involves urban or rural locations, etc. 

Blended families also have particular mobility requirements. Around 19% (3) of children in Switzerland live with parents who are separated or in blended families. Children from blended families spend an average of 2.5 days with one parent and 4.5 days with another parent (4). They require an adapted infrastructure to ensure smooth mobility. This may mean, for example, barrier-free access to public transport, sufficient parking spaces for their own car or child-friendly cycle paths. It is important that the infrastructure meets the needs of families and enables them to move around safely and efficiently. 

The increasing number of single-person households also has an effect on mobility. In 2021, around 37% (5) of the Swiss population lived alone. This trend means that people are travelling alone more often - on the way to work or for leisure activities - and this in turn increases traffic density and causes more traffic jams. This is where options such as car sharing or carpooling are of interest.  

Measures to promote more flexible mobility  

Different measures and innovations are helpful to promote more flexible mobility. This includes, among other things, developing alternative means of transport such as e-scooters, bicycles and flexible vehicle options adapted to people’s needs. Local public transport or concepts such as carsharing, carpooling, etc. may also be options. 

Varying lifestyles, such as blended families, create specific needs when it comes to getting around. It is important that the infrastructure meets the requirements of families, for example.  

There are also more and more mobility apps for the efficient use of different means of transport for individual routes. Innovative software solutions can reduce transport distances and provide an overview of the various services and options for getting around. 

However, accessibility, a well-developed network and good connections to different regions as well as appropriate frequency must be guaranteed, and these contribute to the appeal of the system overall. 

Conclusion 

More flexible mobility solutions and options tailored to people’s needs are the key to meeting the requirements of changing ways of living and working, and to enabling more sustainable and efficient mobility in Switzerland. By promoting alternative means of transport, expanding the public transport network and improving accessibility, people can travel more flexibly and fulfil their individual requirements better. Promising innovations, concepts and combinations offer numerous advantages such as flexibility, cost savings and reducing parking pressure in urban areas. It is important to provide appropriate infrastructure that meets the different requirements of diverse lifestyles. By combining various measures, more sustainable and efficient mobility can be achieved in Switzerland. 

Sources: 

1) Swiss Labour Force Survey 2022, Federal Statistical Office, 2023. 

2) (“FlexWork survey”) study by the FHNW School of Applied Psychology, 2022. 

3) Families in Switzerland, statistical report, Federal Statistical Office, 2021. 

4) Study by the University of Zurich, 2017. 

5) Population and Households Statistics 2021, Federal Statistical Office, 2022.