A project commissioned by:
Thinking in a networked way: The future of mobility in Thuringia.
The Thuringian Mobility Network (TMN) focuses on institutionalizing exchange, communication, and knowledge transfer within the mobility sector of the Free State of Thuringia. Its stated goal is to create a future-oriented, high-performance mobility system for Thuringia.
Firstly, the TMN develops innovative solutions, particularly for mobility in rural areas, which form the basis for the subsequent implementation of pilot projects. Secondly, it develops strategic impulses for transport policy in the areas of demographic change, climate change, and the changing mobility needs of the population.
The members of the working groups and the steering committee, comprised of diverse stakeholders from the mobility sector in Thuringia, contribute to achieving these goals. The Thuringian Ministry for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure facilitates and promotes the exchange among TMN stakeholders by establishing and supporting numerous participation formats, such as regular working group meetings and public events. Furthermore, TMN maintains a substantive exchange with mobility networks in other German states.
Mobility of the future: simple, environmentally friendly, connected
Steffen Schütz - Thuringian Minister for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure
We are AG 1
Members of the working group
Working group leader
Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Matthias Hein
TU Ilmenau
We are working on that
Focus project: Mobility stations
March 13, 2025: Implementation of student project work under scientific guidance at universities in Thuringia (FH Erfurt, TU Ilmenau) in the summer semester of 2025 for the development of concepts for the use and their equipment and design in Thuringia
Project ideas and approaches
- Traffic flow control
- Autonomous driving
- Car sharing
We are AG 2
Members of the working group
Working group leader
Thomas Grewing
Erfurter Bahn GmbH
References to further information
We are working on that
Development of rail freight transport
- Potential, volumes to/from Thuringia
- Rail4Regions
- CargoBeamer, production site in Erfurt, interested in further site development
- Expressions of interest for development in Thuringia from a terminal operator from Göttingen and a shipping company from Hamburg
Erfurter Kreuz freight terminal
- Check area availability, operating technology (track lengths Arnstadt)
- The region is in favor of a terminal
Deployment of Stadler's RS Zero hydrogen prototype
- Pilot project starting in 2026
- LOI Free State, Stadler, Erfurt Railway
We are AG 3
Members of the working group
Working group leader
References to further information
We are working on that
RennsteigBus 2026 – Regional bus service “Rennsteiglinie” based on the ITF framework network plan Thuringia 2030
- Conceptual study as a feasibility study
- Intensive information gathering and coordination within the working group
Research project: MOVEwell
- (Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), project management: Bauhaus University Weimar, project duration: 2024-2029, project volume: 5.8 million euros): Mobility of the future in the Thuringia real-world laboratory with company mobility management, integrated timetable and the potential of autonomous vehicles
- Project start: October 2024
- 1. Project phase started (goal definition, concept development, surveys and data collection in preparation)
Project ideas and approaches
- Indexing of public transport funds (following the example of Baden-Württemberg)
- Costs of decarbonizing public transport for investment and operation
- ITF synergies and costs: Status quo and accessibility guarantee
- Area development (e.g., on-demand transport): forms, means of transport, frequency, costs
- Potentials of digitalization (e.g. background system for on-demand transport at VMT / KomBus)
We are AG 4
Members of the working group
Working group leader
References to further information
We are working on that
Vision 400/10
- Vision 400/10 = Vision to build 400 km of cycle paths in 10 years
- The aim of the working group is to contribute to the construction and upgrading of the cycling infrastructure
- The basis is the everyday cycling main route network with additions
- The vision provides a framework for the other projects of the working group
Bike & Ride Study
- Goal: Better integration of cycling with other modes of transport.
- Initially, funding should be provided based on concrete examples.
- Model projects as a basis for future funding of municipal projects.
- Public transport connections are taken into account in the cycle path monitoring.
- April 2026: Start of the study development
Solar-covered cycle paths
- Development of innovative financing models for cycle paths.
- Working group as a think tank for creative ideas.
- Goal: Solar-covered cycle paths that are self-financing and generate profits through solar cells.
- Proceeds will be reinvested in the expansion of cycling infrastructure.
School camps as cycling centers
- Idea for a cooperation project with Thuringian school camps to improve the motor skills of pupils, especially when cycling.
- Integration of cycling through extracurricular learning and guidance by trained teachers
- Cooperation partners to support further training.
- Examples include Bikepool Hessen and Radsportzentrum Rappershausen in Bavaria.
Projects
Within the framework of the Thuringian Mobility Network, various projects are pursued within the working groups. The ideas and expertise for planning and future implementation arise from the working group members, their expertise, and their networks within their respective industries.
Together.
TMDI initiated the network and works closely with other partners. The aim is to leverage the strength of this alliance to implement specific measures quickly and precisely.
Political Advisory Board
The Political Advisory Board of the Thuringian Mobility Network, established on March 18, 2026, primarily serves an advisory function. The body acts as a forum for political feedback and is intended to issue recommendations, for example, on legislative proposals.
The advisory board includes members of parliament from all factions in the Thuringian state parliament, who are invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions to shape an enabling policy that noticeably improves people's mobility in everyday life.
At the inaugural meeting, Thuringia's Minister for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure, Steffen Schütz (Chairman of the Advisory Board), appealed: "Through the cooperation of science, transport companies, municipalities and the state, different professional expertise and political experience can be used for the Thuringian Mobility Network and the overall transport policy interests of Thuringia can be focused on across party lines."
We are part of the "National Competence Network for Sustainable Mobility".
Downloads
Thuringia 2030 – Well connected on the go. Impulses for a Thuringian mobility strategy.
Mobility in rural areas
Arriving safely together – Thuringian Road Safety Program 2030
