Smart Mobility in Berlin: From Jelbi to Autonomous Driving

Overview

Smart Mobility in Berlin examines the city’s transition from a car‑centric model to an integrated, sustainable transport system. Produced by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe) together with the Technologiestiftung Berlin, the analysis highlights the Jelbi multimodal mobility platform, the Berlin Mobility Act, and autonomous vehicle trials, offering a comprehensive picture of how Berlin is shaping future‑ready urban mobility.

Jelbi Platform

Launched in 2019, Jelbi consolidates public transport, bike‑sharing, e‑scooters, car‑sharing and ride‑hailing into a single app. It aggregates services from BVG, S‑Bahn Berlin, nextbike, TIER, Lime, Voi, Miles, SIXT share, Cambio and local taxis. By mid‑2020s, dozens of Jelbi Stations—physical hubs near U‑Bahn or S‑Bahn stops—provide shared vehicles in one location, simplifying last‑mile connections and reducing street clutter.

Key Mobility Data

Berlin serves over 3.8 million residents, with a metropolitan population exceeding 6 million. Its public transport network handles more than 1 billion passenger journeys annually. Car ownership stands at approximately 1.2 million registered vehicles, while the city has added over 300 000 residents since 2010, intensifying demand on transport infrastructure.

Urban Context

Despite a dense public transport system, Berlin faces challenges: growing population pressure, persistent car usage, uneven last‑mile coverage in outer districts, and modal fragmentation caused by multiple independent mobility apps. These issues motivate the integration efforts embodied by Jelbi and related policies.

Infrastructure & Data

Jelbi generates extensive mobility data that informs BVG and city planners about travel patterns, underserved areas, and optimal placement of new stations. This evidence‑based approach supports strategic decisions on expanding shared‑mobility infrastructure and adjusting public transport schedules.

Autonomous Vehicle Trials

Berlin conducts autonomous shuttle pilots in controlled zones such as hospital campuses, innovation districts and suburban neighborhoods. Shuttles operate with safety drivers, linking residential areas to major transport nodes and collecting data on passenger acceptance, reliability and regulatory compliance. The trials align with Germany’s Autonomous Driving Act (2021) and aim to integrate autonomous services as demand‑responsive, last‑mile solutions.

Berlin Mobility Act

Enacted in 2018, the Berlin Mobility Act prioritises sustainable modes—walking, cycling, public transport—over private cars. It mandates expansion of cycling networks, guarantees investment in BVG and S‑Bahn, and requires pedestrian‑friendly urban design. The Act provides the legal framework that underpins initiatives like Jelbi and autonomous vehicle testing.

Governance Challenges

Mobility governance is split among the Berlin Senate, BVG, Deutsche Bahn, and district authorities, creating coordination complexities. Additionally, digital inclusion remains a concern for elderly residents, people without smartphones and those with limited digital literacy, highlighting the need for accessible multimodal options.

Sustainability Considerations

While shared e‑scooters and bikes improve convenience, their environmental impact—battery production, vehicle lifecycle, rebalancing logistics—requires assessment to ensure they replace car trips rather than substitute walking or public transport. The city’s emphasis on data‑driven planning seeks to address these sustainability questions.

Relevance for Pan‑European Sustainable Housing

For a European audience focused on sustainable housing, Berlin’s model illustrates how integrated mobility platforms can complement low‑carbon residential developments. By offering seamless connections between homes and public transport, reducing reliance on private cars, and piloting autonomous, demand‑responsive services, the city demonstrates a replicable pathway toward greener, more livable neighborhoods across Europe.