Topics for theses / master

Not only the use of transportation but also the use of land for transportation has an impact on the environment. For example, sealed surfaces damage the soil and encourage flooding. The German government wants to reduce land consumption to less than 30 hectares per day by 2030. According to the European Union's resource strategy and the German government's climate protection plan, the transition to a circular economy (net zero target) is to be achieved by 2050 at the latest. But how is the current traffic area divided up between cars, public transport and bicycles? Does the percentage distribution of space between the modes of transport correspond to the modal split? These questions will be answered on a GIS basis and with the aid of the assumptions of our department's CostTool, using the city of Kassel and a district as examples.

In rural areas in particular, staggered school start times could reduce peak periods in public transport, reduce the number of large transport vehicles and create more pleasant conditions for both passengers and drivers. Nevertheless, very few local authorities or transport associations dare to tackle this sensitive issue, as there are many examples of massive protests from parents and teachers. In an exploratory case study (e.g. in a municipality in northern Hesse), interviews are to be conducted with key stakeholders (including the parents' council, school management, trade union, public transport managers) to find out what specific fears and needs are associated with this approach and under what framework conditions (e.g. type of route to the bus stop, travel time ratio car versus bus, reliable childcare times in the school building) staggered school start times would be acceptable in each case. In particular, the aim is to work out lines of conflict and overlaps and to look for possible solutions. It would also be conceivable to set up a focus group with representatives of all stakeholder groups based on selected results from the interviews.

Time and again, there are initiatives that call for a reduction in private car use, at least on a trial basis, for a certain period of time (see nachhaltiges-sachsen.de/projekte/100fach-mobil/ and https://auto-fasten.de/). There are also biographical upheaval situations (such as a prolonged impairment of vision or the musculoskeletal system due to an accident) that lead to a forced reduction in car use. It is still unclear how people experience these phases, how they reorganize their everyday lives and what negotiation processes take place within their network of friends and family as a result. It can be assumed that there are major differences between those who voluntarily give up and those who are forced to do so. An explorative interview study (online possible) will be used to gain initial insights into this. This includes the conception of the field access, the survey design, the interview guide and the evaluation of the finally conducted and transcribed interviews. It is recommended that this topic be dealt with empirically during the actual fasting period before Easter, as it can be assumed that a larger number of those who voluntarily abstain will do so.

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby both the following question and their own topic suggestions can be worked on. It is also possible to combine the MiD data analysis with the implementation and evaluation of focus groups (e.g. with young moped riders from large cities and rural areas).

Question: What socio-demographic characteristics characterize the group of pedelec riders, moped riders and motorcyclists (e.g. age, gender, income, residential area, household type)? What are the characteristics of the journeys made in each case (journey length, distance, travel time)? Are there significant differences between the three groups? Are there significant differences within the three groups (e.g. by gender, income, residential area, household type)?

The gradual switch to electric drives requires a robust electricity infrastructure. To this end, it is necessary to estimate the expected electricity demand at an early stage on a small scale (e.g. at the level of individual neighborhoods or building types in the urban area) along daily hydrographs. The electricity demand for electric vehicles depends in particular on the following factors

- The ramp-up of electric vehicles (especially passenger cars and commercial vehicles) in Germany,

- modal split shares in traffic,

- travel times, journey lengths and charging times of electric vehicle drivers

- mileage of the corresponding electric vehicles.

A large number of studies are available on the ramp-up of electric vehicles (e.g. ADAC, Agora Verkehrswende). The same applies to data on the everyday mobility of the current population (e.g. MiD, SrV). Here, an intersection with spatial structure data available for scientific purposes should also be examined (e.g. building types, settlement density, population composition at neighborhood level).

The aim of the work is to evaluate the data and studies and to examine the extent to which well-founded estimates can be derived from them - possibly with the aid of further assumptions, if possible based on further specialist literature - for the expected future electricity demand in 2045, in particular along daily hydrographs.

The RASt deal with the design and layout of access roads as well as attached main roads and attached main roads with intersections of the same plan. They apply to the VS, HS and ES category groups of the RIN.

For sidewalks along roads, the RASt specify a standard width of 2.50 m if there are no additional requirements for the side space. This study is intended to investigate the extent to which past road construction and reconstruction of a selected area complies with the RASt specifications for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. In the event of deviations from the regulations, the reasons for these deviations should be determined as far as possible (e.g. through expert interviews).

Based on the findings of our own research and further possible interviews, an alternative design for the selected new road constructions and conversions should be drawn up

Efficient public transport and good accessibility are considered location factors for the economic development of rural areas. The so-called traffic turnaround with a shift from motorized private transport to eco-mobility should not only improve the CO2 balance of the transport sector, but could also increase the attractiveness of rural regions as residential and business locations. But how does accessibility by public transport actually affect the regional economy and what direct and indirect economic effects can be demonstrated in rural areas? This research question is to be investigated with the help of a Master's thesis. The following methodological approach is conceivable:

• Case study analysis of model regions with before-and-after comparison,
• Statistical analyses of correlations between public transport services and economic indicators,
• Interviews with regional stakeholders and companies.

Members of the University of Kassel are responsible for a relevant share of traffic in Kassel and the surrounding area. The mobility behavior of the university's students and employees was and will be surveyed in 2022 and 2025. By comparing the data, it is possible, for example, to examine changes that have resulted from different framework conditions (pandemic, Germany ticket, etc.). We already have some interesting questions regarding the student survey, but you are also welcome to develop further ideas and contribute to the process if it suits you.

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. It is also possible to combine the MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV).

Question: How does mobility behavior on home office days differ from that on presence days? What modal shift effects arise and how does working from home affect different travel purposes?

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. It is also possible to combine the MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV).

Question: How do mobility restrictions affect transport behavior and social participation? What different reasons for mobility restrictions (financial, health-related, supply-related) can be identified?

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. A combination of MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV) is also possible.

Question: A behavioral-psychological analysis of the discrepancy between availability of means of transport and actual use as an indicator of preference structures. How can implicit preferences and decision heuristics be derived from usage patterns (frequency, regularity, situation specificity)?

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. It is also possible to combine the MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV).

Research question: How do accompanying persons and household constellations influence gender-specific mobility patterns? An analysis of trip chains, accompanying patterns (number/type of accompanying persons) and their connection with trip purposes such as 'bringing/picking up people', taking into account household type and employment status.

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. It is also possible to combine the MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV).

Question: What gender-specific differences can be seen in the choice of means of transport, trip lengths and trip purposes, and how do these vary according to household type and employment status? Have these differences changed since the last MiD survey?

In March 2025, the results of the current "Mobility in Germany" survey (MiD 2023/24) were published, which provides representative data on the mobility behavior of the German population. The MiD 2023/24 provides interesting comparisons with the 2017 survey, for example, as well as insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current measures such as the Deutschlandticket. We want to offer them the opportunity to analyze this data as part of their final theses, whereby they can work on the following questions as well as their own topic suggestions. It is also possible to combine the MiD data with other panels (e.g. SOEP or SrV).

Question: How has the mobility behavior of 18-29 year olds changed between the MiD surveys? Can the often-discussed loss of importance of the car be empirically confirmed on the basis of reduced daily use while availability remains the same?

Chapter S7 of the 2015 Manual for the Design of Road Traffic Facilities (HBS) contains an analytical procedure for assessing the speed-related quality of local public transport services. This procedure has some shortcomings that lead to low acceptance in practice. To remedy these shortcomings, a research project commissioned by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) developed a draft for a new version of Chapter S7, which also covers the use case "quality assurance in existing traffic" and allows and regulates the inclusion of measurement data.

In this work, this new procedure is to be applied and evaluated for the use case "quality assurance in existing vehicles" with the use of measurement data for some public transport lines of the Kasseler Verkehrsgesellschaft (KVG) and the Nordhessischer VerkehrsVerbund (NVV). The results of the evaluation of the speed-related service quality will be used to derive proposals for measures to improve it.

This work covers national and international road safety education measures. Through a structured analysis of target groups, didactic concepts and skills taught, you will close an important research gap in road safety work. Existing measures will be evaluated, compared and categorized. For the implementation as a master's thesis, expert interviews will supplement the literature analysis, whereby practical experience and overarching mobility aspects will be incorporated. Your contribution creates a sound basis for comparing different approaches and provides a valuable foundation for the evidence-based further development of modern road safety education concepts.

This thesis aims to develop a standardized methodological framework for the systematic collection and evaluation of eye-tracking data from various road users. The focus is on the conception of a survey design, the definition of relevant parameters and the development of protocols for data processing and statistical analysis. The validation is carried out by pilot application on selected data sets, whereby methodological limitations are reflected. The aim is to derive practical guidelines for road safety research that are both scientifically sound and relevant to practice.

In addition to its function as an important component of the transport transition, local public transport also plays a key role in providing services of general interest. Against this background, local public transport planning must meet the various needs of different user groups. The strategy of gender mainstreaming offers a central point of reference for this.

Although it has been known for some time that there are differences in gender-specific mobility behavior and that this results in different requirements for transport systems, there has been repeated criticism in recent years that transport planning is primarily oriented towards the mobility patterns of working people who are free from care work. For this reason, the thesis will investigate the question: "What role do gender aspects play in public transport planning?".

To answer the research question, a quantitative survey is to be prepared, conducted and evaluated using an online questionnaire. The anonymous survey is aimed at employees of German public transport planning offices and public transport authorities. The results will be used to identify obstacles and derive recommendations for action with the aim of making public transport planning more target group-oriented.

Road users are exposed to various stressors, which can also have a negative impact on individual health in the long term. Exceptionally high traffic demand, for example, can lead to conflicts or time losses in all traffic systems and cause stress. As part of the work, a concept for the use of a "stress sensor" available on the market is to be developed in order to test its suitability for measurements in the field (preliminary study). The sensor can be provided for one month and is to be used in various situations. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive picture of the possible measurement results through a high variability of possible stressors, but also other possible influencing factors, such as physical activity. Depending on the time constraints, the work can also include the one-month field test and the corresponding evaluation or deal exclusively with the creation of the concept. The aim of the field test is to draw conclusions about the possible use of the sensor technology for stress measurements with test persons in public transport and possibly in other transport systems.

In cooperation with the VDV, key decision-makers in the public transport sector are to be interviewed about their choice of transport. The focus is on their everyday lives, their strategies and how they deal with cognitive dissonance.

What is the current state of research on this topic (literature review)?
How can the unwanted avoidance of journeys in the sense of a lack of participation be distinguished from an ecologically desirable avoidance of transportation? Which questions can be used to approach immobility in a differentiated way?

The large commercial car-sharing providers continue to concentrate on the big cities. Nevertheless, cars are also lent to each other and shared in rural areas. However, these lending processes are not recognizable as such by outsiders and have hardly been researched scientifically. In the context of this work, the example of a rural community will be used to investigate how often, due to which circumstances, according to which decision criteria and for which purposes private cars are currently informally lent between households.

For this purpose a questionnaire is to be developed on the basis of a literature research, which determines the everyday practices and attitudes to informal car sharing with differently familiar groups of persons. With this questionnaire a pretest is to be carried out and evaluated with simple statistical procedures. On the basis of the response behavior, the suitability of the questionnaire for the research objective is to be reflected, including concrete suggestions for changes. The questionnaire can be filled out by the target group in presence or online.

Similar to car sharing, the large commercial ridesharing providers also concentrate on the big cities. Nevertheless, even in rural areas, people are given rides in their private cars or something is brought to them on demand. However, these ridesharing and bring-along practices are not recognizable as such by outsiders and have hardly been researched scientifically. In the context of this work it is to be examined on the example of a rural municipality, how often, due to which circumstances, after which decision criteria and for which purposes at present informally private people take others or bring them certain goods.

For this, a questionnaire is to be developed on the basis of a literature research, which determines the everyday practices and attitudes to the informal taking along and bringing along with differently familiar groups of persons. A pretest is to be conducted with this questionnaire and evaluated with simple statistical methods. On the basis of the response behavior, the suitability of the questionnaire for the research objective is to be reflected, including concrete suggestions for changes. The questionnaire can be filled out by the target group in presence or online.