24/01/19 - Analysis of survey results and preparation of POINT OF VIEW (I)

As some other groups did their observation phase (e.g. the government meeting with Mr. Bühler), there was no English class this afternoon. We used the time to analyze our survey results and prepare our point of view. The point of view phase should serve to establish a common knowledge base and tell stories about the experiences each group made in the observation phase. Pictures and emotions can help visualize these experiences. When preparing a point of view, the information first needs to be analyzed by collecting, interpreting and summarizing all information and the key findings. From this data analysis, insights and problem clusters can be derived. For the thematic areas or key themes, possible questions shall be raised, which shall then be specified later on by discussing and refining the questions with others.

When we had a closer look into the survey results, we found that the majority of the research sample is rather satisfied with the infrastructure, but at the same time they mentioned an urgent need to improve certain aspects of it, e.g. street expansions, more bike lanes, more crosswalks and pedestrian walks, more parking spaces at apartment blocks and more limited traffic zones. It was very surprising to see how the perception of the infrastructure differs. While we actually thought that there are many limited traffic zones, crosswalks and parking spaces, many of the Langenau citizens had a totally different impression.

Less surprising was the fact that all age groups use their car very often/often as a primary transportation mode, followed by the bicycle, then the bus and then the train. Most interviewees possess one or two cars in the family and the majority does not practice car-sharing. There is also no information service or platform for such car-sharing options. It seems that the citizens have a quite unique perception when it comes to the problems with public transportation. The most commonly mentioned points were that trains are often delayed, driving by car is faster, especially during night there are bad connections and it is too expensive. Anyway, they are pretty satisfied with the physical accessibility, the schedule and the connections of the public transportation in Langenau.

Regarding alternative mobility solutions, more than a half of the interviewed persons would be willing to use alternative mobility solutions, but they don’t feel ready for it yet. Very few people use for example eMobility already. While some fear that eMobility will not sucees, others are not totally convinced of it.

After combining our impressions and the results of the survey, we then also brainstormed some possibilities for improvement for the city of Langenau and came up with the following ideas:

-        more traffic-calmed sectors  

-        crossing guard for school children

-        ensure mobility / accessibility (e.g. intense winter service, maintenance)

-        announce passenger information (display next stop e.g. train / bus / tourists / disabled people)

-        real-time info about bus/train schedules (app)

-        public information events

-        Lectures about mobility / e-mobility in schools   

-        student projects, investigations

-        cooperation with car-sharing companies

In the next session, which will be held next Monday, I think that the different groups will exchange their experiences and main findings. I am curious to see how the research went for them and what they found out.