A shortage of skilled workers in numerous sectors is currently a topic of substantial debate. Sectors such as healthcare, social services, teaching and education, construction, surveying, and building services engineering are often specifically emphasised [1]. Nevertheless, it becomes evident rapidly that the prevailing issue also affects other sectors, including passenger transportation.

Passenger transport is a significant economic sector that plays a key role in population mobility, tourism and freight transport. As per a report by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), it is anticipated that by 2030 there would be a shortage of approximately 100K qualified workers in passenger transport, including drivers for buses and trains, as well as service personnel. This, in turn, will arguably have a detrimental effect on the quality and dependability of services, safety, and environmental preservation.

The reasons for the lack of staff are multifactorial. On one hand, the transportation sector faces demographic shifts as several employees are expected to retire in the next few years without sufficient replacements. On the flip side, working conditions frequently fail to appeal to promising junior employees due to the need for flexibility, physical and mental fortitude, and customer centricity. Furthermore, other sectors vie for skilled professionals, providing enhanced remuneration and career opportunities.

What are the implications of a shortage of staff in passenger transportation?

The scarcity of staff could result in a reduction of timetables. Routes that are not often used or those with later schedules are likely to be cancelled. Certain cities and local governments have already substantially curtailed the regular bus and train services. As an example, in Dortmund, there has been a significant decrease in the number of night buses that operate on weekends. As a consequence, several routes are no longer viable during late hours - posing a challenge for local transportation.

Where do we see the biggest challenge?

In rural areas, returning home at night with public transportation seems arduous and time-intensive, if not impossible. As a consequence, the car continues to be the preferred and most pragmatic mode of transportation.

On occasion, issues arise during the final leg of a journey, such as when departing from urban centres to reach rural areas. While some sections of the trip might pass without incident, a portion of the route may prove problematic. This is especially troubling for women.

Nonetheless, challenges in passenger transportation are not exclusive to remote regions. Intra- and inter-city routes may also be affected by the reductions, resulting in the destination being attainable only at a particular time and with considerable effort.

If connectivity disruption is annoying in cities, it is particularly severe in rural areas - particularly at night. In these locations, longer distances that cannot be covered on foot or by bike, or that may pose potential risks due to poor lighting, are commonplace - therefore, the car is inevitably the top preference.

Could taxis be an option at this point?

Taxis or hired cars are a sensible alternative to conventional public transportation, allowing travellers to access any location at any time.

Unfortunately, there are frequent, severe workforce shortages within this sector. The lack of appealing work hours and low wages renders the profession of taxi driver unattractive. Furthermore, several transport companies have downsized their workforce as a result of the decline in driver numbers and the occasional rigorous restrictions imposed during the coronavirus epidemic. Some freelancers have abandoned their pursuits during this period and explored alternative business strategies or chosen to rely on the citizen's income.

Which groups of people are most impacted by the staffing shortage and the reduction of scheduled services?

In short, the cuts to passenger transport can affect anyone, regardless of age or location.

Nonetheless, certain groups may feel the impact more acutely, notably the elderly or those with limited mobility. If destinations that they depend on have been eliminated, they may face difficulties since walking longer distances may not be feasible. Initially, whether the respective journeys are personal or work-related is inconsequential.

Furthermore, individuals who work shifts face significant risk in the event of a decline in public transportation. It is crucial for them to always have a dependable and secure commute to their workplace. The current frequency of public transport services poses a significant challenge for them. This challenge will only increase if further services or transport staff are withdrawn.

Cuts and cancellations can have severe consequences for teenagers and young adults, who often travel in the evenings or at weekends. This is where the issue becomes apparent most quickly for them, as the train and bus services no longer operate on a regular basis during these hours.

Special focus: teenagers and young adults

Among the groups shown as examples, teenagers and young adults are particularly exposed to an increased risk as cars are often used as a supposedly reliable alternative when driving at night, especially when partying and consuming alcohol.

However, using the car as a means of transportation at night bears major disadvantages for groups. The main issue is identifying the designated driver. Are you travelling alone or in a group? Do you plan your journey home in advance or make a spontaneous decision to "go for it"?

Inadequate planning can lead to confusion or worse, driving under the influence of alcohol, which can have catastrophic consequences in the worst-case scenario. The responsibility is especially high when travelling in a group.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is highly dangerous, as indicated by statistics on alcohol-related accidents.

How can incentives be introduced to boost passenger transport?

It is evident that the issue of staff shortages is not a problem that can be resolved with a quick fix. Several methods, such as enhancing working conditions to attract new employees, are already being employed to combat the current shortage and increase the effectiveness of passenger transportation. However, since these measures cannot be implemented in the short term, the issue is which alternative passenger transport concepts could enhance the current situation.

While it seems challenging to immediately alter the demographic situation, passenger transport could become more enticing through innovative concepts. Through the appmover peer-to-peer sponsoring platform, AppPlusMobile has created an existing system that provides taxi journey discounts through subsidies. This system is already being utilised by numerous municipalities.

Passengers are encouraged to take taxis instead of driving themselves with the aid of individually granted subsidies. This is especially advantageous for group journeys since total subsidies can accumulate. Furthermore, in addition to facilitating social interaction, this also offers a significant benefit of greater savings on transportation costs.

What is the main advantage of using the appmover system for transport companies?

Companies that provide passenger transport through appmover have a significant edge over competitors because they can apply subsidies and discounts directly within the app. Furthermore, app users can easily access and contact participating transport providers through the app's interface. By utilizing the appmover, transport companies have the added ability to present customers with reduced rates at the end of their journey, further increasing their appeal.

This creates a situation where both the transport companies and the customers benefit, as the former are able to potentially draw in more customers and the latter are able to save money. Ultimately, the system offers incentives for the growth of both drivers and transport companies.

Potential extensions to the existing system

Other passenger transport concepts can be based on the appmover principle. It is possible to envisage a type of club taxi that takes members safely home after a party or meeting at night. In this case, the association could sponsor the subsidies.

Additionally, a type of volunteer taxi could be introduced where parents offer their driving services to bring their children and their friends home safely. At this juncture, the appmover application could facilitate the organisation and tracking of journeys and passengers.

Furthermore, it could enhance the desirability of transport companies, indirectly drawing in new drivers, by incorporating a subsidy platform for the expansion of e-mobility. This could be achieved by promoting climate-neutral passenger transport and subsidising the price per kilometre for customers.

Ultimately, these examples demonstrate a limited range of potential use cases for the appmover. Journeys do not need to be confined to young people or evening hours but can be extended as required. This can function as a tool to encourage wider passenger transport expansion. For instance, such as women's taxis, social taxis, senior citizens' taxis, and so forth.

[1] Fachkräftemangel: Diesen Branchen fehlt das meiste Personal - ZDFheute

[2] VDV-Personalumfrage im ÖV | VDV - Die Verkehrsunternehmen

14.08.2023

Photo by Benjamin Sow on Unsplash