BUS2BUS Stage Panel on New Mobility Concepts in Rural Areas at the Smart Country Convention
On 1 October 2025, BUS2BUS will bring together experts from the worlds of business, research and practice on the Smart Country Convention stage. The discussion will focus on how on-demand and autonomous concepts can reshape mobility in rural areas and promote social inclusion.
How can mobility in rural areas be made more equitable, flexible, and sustainable? This question will be the focus of a BUS2BUS panel discussion on 1 October 2025 from 2:00 to 2:40 p.m. at the Smart Country Convention in Berlin. Experts from business, research and practice will share their insights on on-demand and autonomous concepts on the Focus Stage in Hall 25.
They will demonstrate how these innovations can foster greater participation and enhance quality of life in rural regions. This event is intended for anyone interested in learning about existing solutions, current obstacles and how the future of mobility in rural areas can be shaped.
Mobility is the key to accessing public services.
It is a basic prerequisite for social participation. Without it, people may be unable to access work, education, healthcare and culture. While digital, multimodal services are already available in cities, many rural areas lack reliable, affordable and inclusive solutions.
The panel entitled 'Access instead of dependency: new mobility concepts for rural areas' demonstrates how innovative approaches can ensure supply, reduce dependency and create new opportunities for equal living conditions.
The opportunities offered by new concepts
There is a particular focus on autonomous, on-demand ridesharing systems. These systems are considered flexible, community-oriented and data-based, and they could represent a viable addition to, or alternative for, traditional public transport in the future. At the same time, studies show that a lack of mobility services has social and political consequences: where there are no buses or trains, democratic participation declines.
Panel of experts on stage:
Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Maximilian Rohs (PwC GmbH WPG), Felix Thielemann (DB Regio AG), Sonya Herrmann (VHH), and Dr Stefan Carsten (futurologist and BUS2BUS Advisory Board curator) will discuss these challenges and prospects. Paul Hannappel, Head of Automotive & Logistics at the digital association Bitkom, will moderate the discussion.
BUS2BUS and Smart Country Convention are joining forces
For the first time, the two Messe Berlin events are coming together. Combining their topics and target groups will create powerful synergies and drive the long-term exchange of ideas on digital innovations and sustainable mobility.
Participation
Free tickets are available from the Smart Country Convention ticket shop. The program overview is available on the Smart Country Convention website. The SCCON news blog also features an interview with Dr Stefan Carsten on the topic of 'Flexible, digital, connected: mobility as a fundamental right in rural areas'.