Urban mobility refers to a system of people-centred transport solutions that prioritise active travel, public transit and micro-mobility. These systems enable sustainable and equitable cities to boost economic development and combat climate change.

The performance of an urban transportation system depends on millions of individual decisions made by travellers and providers as they go about their day. Berkeley Lab uses high-performance simulations to understand how these decisions affect traffic flow and energy use.

1. Walking

Walking is the most natural mode of urban mobility, and it can be a great way to reduce congestion and carbon emissions. However, many cities are too large for residents to walk everywhere they need to go. Intuitive complete streets and comprehensive public transport systems, with robust walkability, can help make it easy for people to get around, even in big cities.

Cars are the leading source of noise and air pollution in cities, while congestion causes massive disruption to people’s daily lives. To address these issues, city leaders are implementing strategies like promoting shared mobility and supporting sustainable travel behaviours. They also use high-performance models to understand the impact of millions of individual decisions on traffic and energy use. This allows them to discover ways to ease congestion and improve mobility in the short term, as well as long-term energy sustainability.

2. Public Transit

A key part of urban mobility, public transit can be used by a wider range of people than private vehicles. Whether buses, trams, trains or ferries, they allow for longer distance trips and reduce traffic congestion and energy use.

Urban mobility strategies prioritize sustainable and accessible modes, improving modal shift, air quality, accessibility and social inclusion for all citizens. They are also geared towards cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon emissions.

In cities, this includes enabling multimodal journeys through integrated infrastructure and services such as bike lanes, bus rapid transit, and rideshare platforms that connect multiple transportation modes. In addition, urban mobility solutions can include policies such as congestion pricing to discourage car travel and promote more efficient use of cars when on the road. This is a crucial step towards achieving more efficient and sustainable transport systems.

3. Biking

Biking is a great way to get around town, and it’s often less expensive than driving or taking Public Transport. Additionally, biking can be a form of exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles, as well as reduces body fat.

Bike-sharing programs, e-bikes and improvements in bike racks are making it easier than ever for people to use bikes as transportation. In addition, ridesharing services and Mobility-as-a-Service enable travellers to combine multiple transportation modes into a single journey for a more efficient experience.

These types of innovative solutions help alleviate congestion, improve user experience and create an environment that’s healthier for the community at large. They also support the global goal to shift away from carbon-based transport and towards sustainable options. This includes a reduction in car ownership and more commuters choosing to take transit or bike.

4. Rideshare

The diffusion of e-commerce and associated home deliveries has brought on new urban mobility challenges, especially in terms of last-mile freight distribution. The resulting increase in truck and van fleets has put additional pressure on existing public transportation systems.

Rideshare platforms connect passengers and drivers, enabling on-demand transportation services that reduce the need for car ownership. These solutions can be combined with walking networks and other traditional transit modes to create a holistic system that prioritises efficiency and convenience. This system is known as Mobility-as-a-Service. It provides travellers with a seamless experience by allowing them to request a ride, track their driver’s location, and pay for the trip directly through an app. This can help lower traffic congestion, reduce air pollutants and environmental risks while also lowering costs.

5. Taxis

Taxis are vehicles for hire that allow passengers to be transported in comfort without the crowded spaces of buses or trains. They also provide a private, quiet space to relax or work.

Taxi service is often a critical component of transit systems, but there is little scholarly study that explores taxi usage as part of multi-modal journeys or the complementary characteristics of taxi services to conventional transit. Innovative regulatory approaches that foster high rates of taxi use that complement transit trips are needed.

Using data analytics, taxis can anticipate demand, improving dispatch efficiency and availability. They can also be powered by alternative fuels that reduce emissions and contribute to sustainability. Lastly, taxis can be integrated with other modes of transport through Demand-Responsive Transport and Microtransit services.