To design a socially acceptable transport system, which is ecologically sound, economically efficient and applicable, an integrated approach at all levels of decision and action is required. In this process, the specific political and social objectives as well as the spatial and financial conditions have to be taken into consideration. In industrialised countries, spatial structures and transport infrastructures are already largely developed - with a strong dominance of motorised transport traffics. In developing and emerging countries, however, strategies should especially aim to steer the rapid traffic growth - a result of economic growth, urbanisation and increasing private wealth - onto sustainable and socially responsible paths.

In the field of transport policy and mobility services the Wuppertal Institute studies the potentials and conditions of development for a sustainable mobility. In this process, we develop innovative approaches, verify the effects and work on gender adjusting analyses. Thus, concrete tools are generated for promoting sustainable mobility in cities and regions on the national and international level, which we are evaluating, too. Due to the dynamic growth in the focal country China, particular attention will be paid to developing sustainable transport systems in urban areas and designing financial framework conditions and political structures.