Verkehrswereich

Verkehrswereich is a theoretical and analytical framework in the field of transport geography and urban studies. It describes the combined system of transport networks, mobility services, and logistics that connect places, people, and goods, treating these elements as a single interacting realm rather than a collection of separate infrastructures. The concept emphasizes how traffic patterns shape land use, economic activity, environmental outcomes, and social accessibility.

The term is a neologism created to capture the holistic nature of contemporary mobility ecosystems. While not tied to a single organization, it has appeared in academic and policy discussions since the early 2020s, particularly in discussions of multimodal planning and data-driven transport governance in German-language literature.

Verkehrswereich encompasses passenger mobility, freight logistics, and the undergirding digital platforms that coordinate services. It also covers governance and planning processes, from investment prioritization to regulation, pricing, and data sharing. Researchers use network analysis, agent-based and microsimulation models, geographic information systems (GIS), and scenario planning to explore interactions within the transport realm and to evaluate potential policy outcomes.

Applications of the concept include the design of multimodal hubs, resilient supply chains, sustainable urban mobility, and ensuring equitable access to services. Case-oriented studies often examine disruptions such as natural disasters or system outages and how transitions toward greener transport modes and autonomous services might unfold within a city or region.

Critiques address risks of technocratic bias, privacy concerns stemming from data collection, equity implications of mobility changes, and the need for transparent governance and meaningful public participation.

Related concepts include urban mobility, transport geography, logistics, and smart city planning.