“promuove” is an interdisciplinary research project at the Faculty of Society and Economics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, which, amongst other things, investigates the willingness to use new transport routes and modes and how appropriate incentives can be created for this.
Transport in Germany is undergoing a transformation. Whereas in the past, those without their own car relied almost exclusively on buses and trains, today there are many different options available for local travel. Alternatives to local public transport are becoming established, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure. “We want to establish the topic of transport at the university and develop new ideas for the region around Kleve,” says project leader Prof. Dr Thomas Pitz, Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Society and Economics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, explaining the idea behind the research project. Launched in 2015 with a survey on the topic of “private car-sharing”, the project is entering its second phase in 2017, focusing on “community bus associations”.
Demographic change and the often strained state of public finances raise the question of how the mobility of residents in rural areas can be safeguarded in future. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences found that, in many places, the rural population is countering declining demand – and the resulting gradual reduction in traditional public transport services – through voluntary work: organised into registered community bus associations, volunteer drivers operate minibuses on specific routes according to a fixed or flexible timetable, thereby creating an attractive alternative means of transport.
What motivates drivers in community bus associations to carry out this voluntary work?
Volunteering is one of the key prerequisites for the smooth running of a community bus association. As part of the ‘promuove’ project, the university investigated the motivation behind this commitment in the spring of 2017. Over 300 community bus associations across Germany were surveyed, and more than 1,000 community bus drivers took part in the survey. The final analysis of the responses is not yet complete, but initial findings can already be drawn:
Who gets involved?
82 per cent of active community bus drivers are male, with an average age of around 65, and have been actively involved in this role for six years; however, participation has risen sharply since 2012 and continues to increase (although the majority of the associations were only founded in the last 10 years). Female drivers account for only 15 per cent (3 per cent did not specify their gender) and are, on average, about six years younger than their male colleagues. Only around 16 per cent of drivers are under 60.
What are the main motivating factors?
The desire to support and strengthen the community in general, and the local community in particular, was cited by respondents as the most important motivation for their voluntary work. Supporting individuals, particularly those they know personally, is seen by drivers as almost equally important. Slightly less important were the opportunity to maintain social contacts and having a meaningful daily task. Of secondary importance, yet still relevant to many, are the validation and recognition they receive through their voluntary work, as well as the enjoyment they derive from the driving itself. Where the journeys take place, however, plays a less significant role. Many drivers cited further reasons for their involvement, stating that they wish to serve as role models and an inspiration to others, or that they are able to put their own ideas into practice within the clubs. Fostering a ‘sense of community’ and a regional identity – these two aspects were considered very important.
Results and objectives of the study
The final results of the study are expected to be available in 2018 and should help to improve our understanding of voluntary work in community bus associations and, consequently, to support it more effectively. The study already shows that a combination of different motives is key to ensuring lasting and sustainable voluntary engagement. The extent to which these motives are expressed can vary greatly from person to person, and any support measures must therefore take this diversity into account. Simply appealing to the participants’ sense of moral obligation, responsibility and charity is not enough. For a community bus association to function sustainably, a consistently high level of motivation amongst its active members is key to long-term success.
Research at the Faculty of Society and Economics
The Faculty of Society and Economics is characterised by a particularly strong practical focus and attaches great importance to the integration of teaching, research, entrepreneurship and the government regulatory framework. Students can apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in their courses and seminars to practical projects and work within a modern laboratory environment; all degree programmes form part of the overarching laboratory concept, and research and experimentation take place across degree programmes. The computer rooms and laboratories of the Faculty of Society and Economics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences are equipped with a wide range of software and modern technical equipment, such as stationary and mobile eye-trackers and virtual reality headsets. This equipment is also used for various internal research projects within the faculty and in collaboration with external partners. Here, students gain direct insight into the academic work carried out across the numerous disciplines. The Faculty of Society and Economics sees itself as a research partner for businesses in the region, throughout Germany and internationally. The high degree of internationality is evident not only in the composition of the student body, but also, in particular, in the research collaborations.
