Aachen: Mobility Strategy and Transport Planning in Focus – February 2026

Mobility Strategy and Budget Planning: Aachen's Transport Planning in February 2026

In February 2026, the city of Aachen addressed a wide range of topics in the field of mobility and transport. The Mobility Committee made key decisions that will shape the future of urban transport planning. The main focuses were budget planning, construction projects, sharing services, e-mobility, and the fight against mobility poverty.

Budget and Investment Planning 2026–2029

The budget planning for the years 2026 to 2029 marks a crucial phase for Aachen's transport and mobility policy. The Mobility Committee approved the partial results plans and investment plans for the next four years. Particular emphasis was placed on setting binding authorizations for important projects such as the removal of unauthorized vehicles from public road spaces (Product 020 701) and traffic-related permits (Product 020 703).

The lead department, Department 68 – Mobility and Transport, has defined clear guidelines for implementing the projects. The investment plans include both infrastructure measures, such as the renovation of parking garages and streets, as well as strategic initiatives to improve public transport offerings and promote sharing services.

Construction Projects with Major Impact

In February 2026, several construction projects with significant effects on the transport network were announced. The renovation of Theaterplatz, involving full closures and detours for motorized traffic, public transport, and cyclists, is planned. Additionally, the renovation of the Rathaus parking garage is scheduled, with reopening expected in the third quarter of 2026.

As part of the district heating expansion, a partial full closure is planned along the route of Brander Feld, Altstraße, Lintertstraße, Pontstraße, and Schloss Rahe. The road resurfacing in the Bismarckstraße will also involve full closures and detours. Further projects include construction work in the Horbacher Straße and Roermonder Straße, as well as the final development of the Gewerbepark Brand.

These measures indicate that Aachen will face significant traffic disruptions over the coming months. However, the city has already taken preparatory steps to minimize the impact on commuters and residents.

Sharing Services and Mobility Poverty

Another focus of the mobility planning is the fight against mobility poverty through the expansion of public transport and sharing services. The Mobility Committee has decided to use the Sharing Guidelines and the Local Transport Plan as the basis for future measures. The goal is to ensure a 500-meter accessibility to public transport stops, car-sharing, and bike-sharing stations.

The city has already established a variety of sharing services: 66 car-sharing stations with 232 vehicles, the Pedelec rental system Velocity with 102 stations, and the city’s cargo bike rental system, which recorded 2,876 users and 10,260 trips by the end of 2025. E-scooter sharing is particularly popular among younger user groups in Aachen.

Despite these offerings, the spatial coverage of mobility services remains uneven. While 66% of adults in central Aachen can reach a car-sharing station within 500 meters, only 23% in the outer districts can do so. This indicates that expanding sharing services in the peripheral areas is a priority.

E-Mobility and Taxi Industry

Aachen's e-mobility strategy is another central issue. In 2025, the city adopted an e-mobility strategy calling for the demand-oriented expansion of publicly accessible charging infrastructure. A support program with an annual volume of 500,000 euros supports the establishment of charging infrastructure on company premises.

In the taxi industry, which is particularly suitable for electrification due to its high mileage, the transition is proceeding slowly. In 2024, Aachen had only two fully electric taxis. Although the city supports electrification, the investment willingness of taxi drivers remains low. Exclusive charging infrastructure for taxis is currently considered inefficient due to insufficient demand. However, publicly accessible fast chargers can also benefit the taxi industry indirectly.

Outlook and Challenges

Aachen's mobility strategy for 2026–2029 will be clearly characterized by the implementation of the adopted projects and the expansion of sharing and public transport services. The main challenges lie in implementing the construction projects without excessive traffic disruption, ensuring the financial sustainability of the sharing models, and closing the gaps in spatial coverage.

Yet Aachen is heading in the right direction: The city has defined clear goals, many of which are already being implemented. The Mobility Strategy 2030 will be decisive in the coming years for the question of whether Aachen can establish a modern, climate-friendly, and socially just transport structure.