Introduction
Social Mobility Zwolle is a pilot project aimed at improving the mobility of residents aged 65+ in Zwolle and is an initiative of the National Elderly Fund. By better aligning supply and demand in the field of mobility, we aim to support this target group in finding suitable transportation solutions. This project will be carried out in 2025 and aims to develop a scalable methodology that can also be applied in other regions.
Goal of the Project
The goal of Social Mobility Zwolle is to bundle and tailor mobility services for 65+ residents of Zwolle. This will be done by:
- Accessible options: Bringing together various mobility services so users can make appropriate choices based on their personal situations and needs.
- Awareness of services: Organizing mobility cafés and using a mobility advisor to familiarize residents with available transportation solutions.
- Policy input: Identifying gaps in the services offered so that they can be addressed at a policy level.
The ultimate goal is that 65+ residents can independently and easily use a wide range of transportation options for short distances.
Problem Statement and Opportunities
Previous mobility cafés have shown that many 65+ residents are unaware of the existing mobility offerings, which hinders their daily mobility. This lack of awareness leads to a lack of confidence and a sense of dependency when planning short trips. The pilot focuses on:
- Reducing lack of awareness through clear communication and practical support.
- Making tailored solutions for transportation needs easily accessible.
- Generating valuable insights for municipalities, provinces, and transport providers to better respond to the needs of this target group.
Approach
To achieve these goals, the following activities will be undertaken:
1. Mobility Cafés
- Informal meetings where 65+ residents can familiarize themselves with the mobility offerings.
- Providing information about options and support in making choices.
2. Mobility Advisor
- Personal support for residents in finding suitable transportation solutions.
- Guidance in planning and using mobility services.
3. Collaboration with Transport Providers
- Bringing together various transport providers to create a broader and better-aligned offering.
- Identifying gaps in the services provided.
Expected Results
By the end of 2025, we aim to deliver a blueprint that:
- Provides municipalities and provinces with practical tools for organizing mobility services for 65+ residents.
- Can be applied in other regions and adapted to local needs and opportunities.
- Enables a sustainable service through the National Elderly Fund, offering nationwide support.
Future Prospects
If successful, the pilot will contribute to a sustainable approach to improving mobility among 65+ residents. The methodology can be widely implemented to assist the elderly in the Netherlands with their mobility needs and to support policymakers in developing inclusive transportation solutions.
