Urban mobility refers to how people move throughout cities and towns, using various techniques for designing efficient yet sustainable transportation systems.
Columns 1 through 3 of the regression results (SAR, SEM and SDM models using spatial weight matrices) for these three spatial models reveal that population mobility promotes urban economic resilience.
Accessibility
Accessible urban mobility is a primary goal of city and transport planners. It serves to improve social inclusion by connecting people and opportunities together more closely while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact from transport systems.
Accessibility is a complex term, encompassing factors like time, cost and comfort when traveling between destinations (or opportunities). It influences individual choice of transportation modes as well as non-motorised and motorised transportation modes being chosen by those seeking access.
But accessibility also involves providing feedback mechanisms that prevent these services from being solely used as means to avoid travel and reduce car use – as detailed in BA1. A holistic approach to planning must take into account any potential impacts these services might have on transport volumes, environmental sustainability and quality of life for people using them.
Safety
Though road accidents have decreased in many cities, they remain a serious threat to public health and wellbeing. Furthermore, high concentrations of traffic contribute to air and noise pollution which put lives at risk while diminishing quality of life.
Implementing urban mobility solutions that reduce traffic congestion and the number of vehicles circulating in restricted areas could provide an effective solution, including smart roads, vehicles and traffic lights.
Vertiports, where electrically powered vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft (eVTOLs) operate, could facilitate people moving around urban areas quickly with short flights at low altitudes. To be effective however, identifying factors undermining road safety as well as selecting suitable measures and policies to address them – which might include stricter monitoring/policing in urban areas as well as increased education/awareness raising initiatives.
Efficiency
Effective urban mobility measures are critical to the economic competitiveness and liveability of cities. Efficient transport systems decrease congestion, emissions of air pollutants and noise pollution emissions while simultaneously creating a sense of wellbeing within communities.
Implementing cutting-edge technologies, like electric vehicles and last mile micro mobility solutions can help cities achieve their goals more quickly. But for maximum impactful outcomes it is critical that technological innovations align with sustainability and social equity principles so benefits are shared equally among city residents.
An evaluation and measurement must also take place of the effects of urban mobility measures on the environment, using an holistic approach which takes all core dimensions of mobility into consideration and looks ahead at reaching efficiency over time. A successful modal shift may take several years before reaching desired levels of effectiveness.
Multimodal transport
Urban mobility involves the optimal combination of various transport modes to suit different trips. Trips combining walking, cycling, public transit, private vehicles or mobility services are known as multimodal journeys.
An array of initiatives is necessary to move millions of trips away from motorized private transport and into public and active transport modes. Cities should gather a comprehensive understanding of their mobility systems within their borders – diagnosing issues that hinder mobility now while creating an envisioned, viable future state – before selecting their optimal mix.
Effective urban mobility planning takes an in-depth approach that considers all dimensions of urban mobility as part of its process, with shifts typically taking five years or more to take place. Furthermore, effective mobility plans require an understanding of all these complex dynamics at play in urban mobility systems.
Mobility on demand
Urban regions experiencing rapid population growth present opportunities for transport-on-demand solutions to maximize public transit efficiency. Conventional fixed route systems often struggle to keep up with user needs, leading to underutilization of resources, increased congestion and operational inefficiencies.
MoD (or Mobility on Demand) can be seen most directly in modern transport apps that make booking both public and private transportation a simple tap away. This traveler-focused solution encompasses taxi cabs, ride hailing services, trains, buses and cars into one seamless transit experience managed through one App.
These solutions can be utilized in various capacities, from first mile/last mile, corporate transportation and paratransit/dial-a-ride services to university shuttles. Furthermore, these solutions can help fill gaps in service such as infrequently traveled routes or transit deserts and off-peak hours.