Playful alternative to the diesel ban: Researchers want to reward cycling and punish driving

Earn money cycling in Munich?

This should be possible with a currency for mobility.

A TUM researcher explains his “MobilityCoins” concept.

Munich - As of this week, all drivers of diesel cars with emission class Euro 4 are over - unless they fall under one of the exceptions.

The diesel ban then applies on the roads within the Mittlerer Ring.

Klaus Bogenberger, Professor and Chair of Traffic Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), takes a critical view of this.

Instead, the expert and his team developed a currency for mobility.

So anyone who gets on their bikes in Munich in the future could even earn money with it.

"We don't want to take away from people the freedom inherent in mobility," says Bogenberger.

Therefore, the concept of “MobilityCoins” developed by the TUM scientists does not rely on prohibitions.

It's more like a game.

Everyone receives a certain amount of digital mobility coins - and each trip costs

This is how it should work: Everyone receives a certain amount of digital mobility coins.

Every ride costs.

The price depends on the means of transport you use.

Driving is more expensive than taking the subway or bus.

Those who cycle are credited with mobility coins.

The journeys are recorded using license plates, public transport tickets or trackers on the bike.

Above all, the corresponding mobile phone app plays a major role.

"For people without a mobile phone, we would have to think about something else," says Bogenberger.

Anyone can buy mobility coins with real money on a digital marketplace.

"If I ride my bike a lot, I can sell my remaining coins there," explains the expert.

This is how cycling is rewarded - with real money or better bike paths.

Because if you don't want to sell, you can use your coins to invest in the expansion of the cycle network.

The price of the coins is determined by supply and demand.

The state can also sell up to a certain price.

In order to control all this, there would be market supervision, like on the stock exchange.

Who gets how many coins would depend on various factors

Who gets how many coins would depend on various factors.

For example, income might play a role.

If you earn a lot, there are fewer coins.

The place of residence would also be included.

Because it is more difficult to use public transport in the country than in the city.

If a region wants to reduce its CO2 emissions, it could simply allow fewer coins overall.

Because then you can drive less by car.

The TUM scientists have already tested the system on more than 1,000 people in Munich.

The result: People use the car less.

Bogenberger and his team are currently simulating how the entire region would change as a result.

But in a week we're off to Brussels.

There, Bogenberger will present the concept at EU level.

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