The digital mobility gap in Flanders
Not everyone is simply on board with all the digital novelties in the mobility sector. In Flanders, too, there are big differences between population groups in this respect. If we really want to work on inclusive mobility, it is very important for policymakers and mobility providers to take these differences into account.
Digital on the move
More and more things are also becoming digital in the mobility sector. Just think of parking apps, GPS systems, online reservation platforms for shared bicycles or digital tickets and route planners for trains, trams and buses.
To get around smoothly, it is therefore increasingly important to be proficient with a computer or smartphone. However, recent research shows that this is not the case for all Flemish people. On the one hand, not everyone has easy access to a computer or smartphone, and on the other hand not everyone is equally good at using these digital tools.
Transport poverty and social exclusion
Those limitations create a digital mobility gap: While some people can navigate the digital world and benefit from digital mobility solutions, others miss out on those opportunities. Figures show that especially people aged 65 and over, those with lower education levels and those with lower incomes are less able to navigate those digital applications.
As a result, these population groups are unable to take full advantage of their benefits, or even do not use them at all. This has a limiting effect, as those with fewer options find it harder to get to their destinations. Work, education, healthcare and social contacts then become inaccessible. This fosters transport poverty and social exclusion.
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Figures and insights from the European DIGNITY project
Between 2020 and 2022, Mobiel 21 conducted research into the digital mobility gap in Flanders as part of the European project DIGNITY. We investigated among various population groups which factors influence their use of digital mobility solutions.
The aim of the project? To better understand the digital mobility gap, make mobility policies more inclusive and help design solutions that are accessible to all.
DIGNITY ran in five European countries and regions. You can find all the findings, figures and insights from the Flemish research summarised in a convenient brochure.
Towards inclusive mobility
Many policies see mobility as an essential amenity that should be available to all. However, those pursuing inclusive mobility need to take into account the barriers created by digitalisation.
Fortunately, policymakers at all levels of government can help reduce and bridge that digital divide by:
- understanding the social impact of digital mobility solutions.
- implementing policies that guide well-intentioned steps towards digitalisation.
And mobility providers can also help. For example, by designing their digital services and apps to be accessible and user-friendly to as many people as possible. This is the only way to create an inclusive, digital mobility ecosystem in which everyone can participate.
Would you like more information about DIGNITY or the research results?
Sam Delespaul, researcher at Mobiel 21, is happy to help. Contact him using the form below.
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