Sustainable urban mobility: The costs of congestion as commuters converge on cities

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 17, 2022

Insight summary

Cities worldwide are shifting to sustainable public transport systems to combat environmental and economic challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Sustainable urban mobility not only improves air quality and public health but also stimulates local economies by creating jobs and fostering inclusivity. This shift also leads to broader societal changes, including reduced urban sprawl, improved access to employment and education, and a more sustainable energy sector.

Sustainable urban mobility context

Cities across the world are actively pursuing more sustainable methods of public transport. This transition is vital since greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation account for about 29 percent of total GHG in the US alone. The pressing problem of carbon emissions is not the only bane of transportation in cities. Findings from an urban mobility study in the US showed that traffic congestion costs the US economy $179 billion annually, while the average commuter spends 54 hours in traffic every year.

While transport is a crucial driver of economic and social development, sustainable urban mobility, at its core, is the ability to provide equitable infrastructure and access to connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, and society at large. Traffic congestion impedes the quality of life, through lost time and productivity, in big cities where the growing middle-class converge on their daily commute to work. The benefits of adopting a sustainable urban mobility transportation model are far-reaching in its societal and economic impact and worth striving for.

Sustainable urban transport systems would typically encourage non-motorized transport solutions such as cycling and walking, which may require wider pavements and dedicated bicycle lanes to meet the broader societal objective of equitable access to urban spaces. Scooters and other light, single-user, battery-powered transport options may be included under the sustainable urban transport lexicon.

Disruptive impact

Cities like Zurich and Stockholm, with their efficient public transport systems, have seen a decline in car ownership, which directly translates to fewer vehicles on the road and less pollution. This environmental benefit extends to improved air quality, which can have a profound impact on public health, reducing the prevalence of respiratory diseases and other pollution-related health issues.

Economically, sustainable urban mobility can stimulate local industries and create jobs. Medellin's approach to sourcing locally manufactured spare parts for its metro system is a prime example of this. The city's plan to produce electric buses locally in the future will not only reduce its dependence on foreign imports but also create employment opportunities within the city. This economic growth can lead to increased prosperity and improved living standards for the city's residents.

From a social perspective, sustainable urban mobility can foster inclusivity and equality. Reduced fares in public transport systems, as seen in Zurich, make commuting affordable for all, regardless of income level. This accessibility can lead to increased social mobility, as individuals can travel easily for work, education, or leisure. Moreover, the shift towards sustainable transport systems can also promote a sense of community, as residents collectively participate in efforts to reduce their city's environmental footprint.

Implications of sustainable urban mobility

Wider implications of sustainable urban mobility may include:

• An increase in tourism and economic benefits for cities with well-developed, sustainable transportation.
• Lower unemployment rates and increased economic prosperity as more people can more easily access employment opportunities at little cost.
• The improvement in air quality and health benefits due to decreased carbon emissions, positively impacting urban societies.
• New industries focused on green technology resulting in increased economic activity and job opportunities.
• A ecrease in urban sprawl as efficient public transport makes living in city centers more appealing, leading to more compact and sustainable urban development.
• Policies that prioritize public transport and non-motorized transport modes, leading to a shift in urban planning and infrastructure development.
• A greater demand for skilled labor in green technologies, leading to changes in the labor market and the need for new training and education programs.
• Smart ticketing systems and real-time travel information improving the efficiency and convenience of public transport, leading to increased usage and reduced reliance on private vehicles.
• A decrease in energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable and resilient energy sector.

Questions to consider

• Do you think factors such as geopolitics, due to entrenched economic power, should impact the possibility of cities across the globe benefiting from sustainable urban mobility? 
• Do you think there could be a better economic model for equitable access to resources so that citizens across the globe can enjoy sustainable urban mobility?