For responsible mobility, ‘seamless’ intermobility is a must

The UN estimates that by 2050, 83% of the world’s population will live in cities or urban areas^(a). According to the same study, there will be 37 cities with more than 10 million inhabitants worldwide by 2050, with Dhaka to Bangladesh having a population of over 52 million. Yet in most cities, 50% of the available ground space is currently occupied by cars (roads, parking, service stations, signage)^(b)! All the data confirms, if we didn’t already know, the unsustainability of the autosolism model.

Decongesting cities calls for ‘seamless’ intermodality. A mobility model that facilitates connections during a journey, from start to finish, between high-capacity transport modes, which will always play a key role (trains, metro, tramway, bus), lower capacity but shared modes (collective ride-hailing or VTOL, carpooling), and individual modes (walking, cycling, scooters).

If it is to work, intermodality must appeal and be competitive. Better connections between the different transport modes will add value to tomorrow’s mobility. Finally, more widespread use of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) should make it possible to optimise journeys in real time by combining data from all modes of transport and creating a virtual one-stop-shop. Blockchain may also serve as a technology brick, encouraging the introduction of a ‘Mobility Data Marketplace’ to boost data exchange flow and enhance data.

Consequently, Futura-Mobility is in favour of opening up mobility data. On condition the rules are fair, i.e. the same for all stakeholders: public or private, large or small.

Note that beyond the technology challenge, digitisation of travel assistance also raises environmental concerns – over the consumption of resources linked to digital technology – as well as concerns over inclusivity – since the skills for interacting with a machine differ from person to person.

Finally, while cities are the first to be affected by these issues, mobility also faces major challenges in periurban and rural areas. This is all the more true since the phenomenon of urban concentration is now accompanied by sprawl and a multiplication of suburban areas that are, moreover, far from desirable.

It may well be necessary to ensure continuity of service in order to avoid a divide between people with easier access to mobility than others; yet using the same modes of transport isn’t necessarily the right solution because the problems differ. Ongoing tech breakthroughs, such as vehicle automation, can be adapted to meet these periurban and rural needs. Nevertheless, to a large extent, solutions still need to be invented to limit private car use. Curbing urban sprawl, especially by bringing work and living places closer together and supporting local retail, also forms part of the solution for rethinking territories.

In any case, one of the difficulties is that the ideal mix of mobility solutions will greatly depend on the territory it must serve. Indeed, beyond local regulations, the weather, geographical, historical, and cultural considerations will determine whether or not a mobility solution can be introduced.

Footnotes:

^a https://population.un.org/wup/publications?tab=2025

^b Ellen MacArthur Foundation / 2019 study
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