Adopting eight high-impact solutions can transform the growth of virtuous mobility, potentially doubling the share of sustainable mobility in the modal split from approximately 30% to 60% of passenger kilometers (PAX) over the next decade. This is the key finding of the fifth Arthur D. Little (ADL)/POLIS Future of Mobility report, which was published today.

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Arthur D. Little's fifth Future Mobility study, developed in collaboration with POLIS, provides a 360-degree perspective on mobility matters. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Despite the promise of sustainable mobility to reduce emissions, increase choice and deliver seamless journeys, its progress over the last 15 years has been slow, with use of public transport, active mobility and new/shared mobility services growing by just +10%pts of trips. 70% of passenger-km in urban areas are still by individual car, while the transport sector still contributes to 25-40% of national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on a worldwide basis with a steady increase since 1990.

Developed by ADL in combination with POLIS, Europe’s leading network of local and regional authorities advancing sustainable mobility through transport innovation, the fifth Future Mobility study provides a 360-degree perspective on mobility matters. It aims to shed light on what key stakeholders — transport authorities at local, regional, and national levels; public and private mobility services providers; transport sector suppliers; and investors — should do to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable mobility. The joint study is based on extensive interviews and focus groups with sector stakeholders and global research to collect insights from mobility leaders.

Francois-Joseph Van Audenhove, Managing Partner, Head of Travel & Transportation Practice at ADL and leading ADL’s Future of Mobility Lab, comments: “While some progress has been made since we published our first study in 2011, overall the individual passenger car still dominates urban transport. However, our analysis shows that, with comprehensive implementation, appropriate funding, and robust governance at the system level, the implementation of the eight high-impact solutions reviewed have the potential to double the global share of sustainable mobility and accelerate the transition toward more virtuous mobility systems in the next decade. The potential for transformation is evident, yet the real challenge lies in putting it into action.”

Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General, POLIS, comments, “We live in very uncertain and unpredictable times – but looking into the future is a key component of leadership. What trends and challenges are driving our mobility systems? What solutions are out there, and which ones are we actually able to deliver? How can public and private sector initiatives come together and mutually reinforce each other? What will be the game changers in the years to come? This study aims to help us move forward and accelerate the urgent transition to a more sustainable mobility. It supports stakeholders with navigating the innovation landscape and putting ambition into action by prioritising the right solutions.”

The eight solutions reviewed are:

  1. Climate change mitigation policies – adopting a more joined-up policy approach, complementing electrification with other actions to maximize its impact
  2. City of Proximity (15 minute city) concepts – shaping cities to be more human-centric and accessible
  3. Dimensioning of mass transit – developing multimodal masterplans to encourage public transport use
  4. New mobility services (micro, shared and on-demand) – greater collaboration between local and regional authorities and new mobility service providers to create and grow ‘shared-mobility ecosystems’, combining public transport and new mobility
  5. Mobility-as-a-Service – adapt a comprehensive approach to frame and enable MaaS solutions that are enabling mobility policy’s objectives, and providing more value than the sum of their parts.
  6. Autonomous mobility – anticipating the introduction of autonomous vehicles and looking at specific use cases that increase sustainability
  7. Mobility demand management – driving behavior change through a combination of regulation and cultural change
  8. Mobility funding – optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of funding and diversifying funding sources for operators

Individually none of the solutions has an impact of more than around 15%, showing the need for a coordinated sustained approach to enable success. There is also a large gap between theory and practice - 81% of mobility leaders saw the eight solutions as important, but under 60% are confident in the current readiness of mobility systems to implement them, highlighting the need for system-level coordination and enablement to bridge this gap and turn potential into reality.

To read the full report, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdf7eps6

ABOUT ARTHUR D. LITTLE

Arthur D. Little has been at the forefront of innovation since 1886. We are an acknowledged thought leader in linking strategy, innovation and transformation in technology-intensive and converging industries. We navigate our clients through changing business ecosystems to uncover new growth opportunities. We enable our clients to build innovation capabilities and transform their organizations.

Our consultants have strong practical industry experience combined with excellent knowledge of key trends and dynamics. ADL is present in the most important business centers around the world. We are proud to serve most of the Fortune 1000 companies, in addition to other leading firms and public sector organizations.

For further information, please visit www.adlittle.com

ABOUT POLIS

POLIS is the leading network of cities and regions, working together to advance sustainable urban mobility and innovation. For this reason, we advocate for the increased involvement of local and regional authorities in shaping national and international mobility policies.

Since 1989, European local and regional authorities have collaborated within POLIS to promote sustainable mobility by implementing innovative transport solutions. We enhance local transport by fostering knowledge exchange among these authorities and facilitating dialogue with key mobility stakeholders, including industry, research centers, universities, and NGOs.

POLIS promotes collaboration across Europe by helping our members access European research and innovation funding and results. We empower decision-makers with the information and tools necessary to achieve sustainable mobility through regular meetings of the POLIS Political Group and ongoing dialogue with European institutions.

For further information, please visit https://www.polisnetwork.eu/

Cate Bonthuys Catalyst Comms +44 7715 817589 Bonthuys.Cate@adlittle.com