European cities will require investment of around €1.5 trillion in sustainable mobility measures in order to meet the emissions objectives set out by the EU Green Deal, a new study by EIT Urban Mobility has found.
The study, Cost and Benefit of the Urban Mobility Transition, will be presented at the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress (TMWC) taking place in Barcelona at the start of November.
Transition scenarios
It presents a simulation of three transition scenarios across twelve European city prototypes, reflecting the diversity of urban environments across EU member states.
The study notes that while technology advancements alone could lower CO2 emissions by 21% by 2030, ‘much more ambitious measures’ will be required in order to achieve the targets set out by the EU Green Deal.
‘The only emission reduction pathway for urban mobility that meets the 2030 Green Deal target involves a 44% reduction in emissions, but it comes with significant challenges in terms of public acceptance and behaviour change,’ the study notes.
According to the study, reducing car usage will be essential, which will require significant investment in attractive public transport, shared mobility options, and access restrictions like low-emission zones. Should these measures be implemented, a 7% increase in public transport usage and a 16% reduction in private car trips could be achieved.
Cost of transition
All three transition scenarios explored in the study have the potential to meet the Green Deal’s decarbonisation targets for the transport sector by 2050, however this will come at a significant cost.
Achieving the GHG emission reduction goals will require at least an additional €1.5 trillion in investments, the study notes. This includes €500 billion dedicated to implementing and managing sustainable mobility initiatives.
Public health benefits are also likely, with a shift towards more active modes of transport, such as walking and cycling, potentially resulting in cumulative health savings of up to €1,170 per person by 2050. Improvements in road safety are also expected, with potential reductions in road traffic fatalities by up to 70% by 2050.
‘The research underscores that, regardless of a European city’s characteristics, prioritising public transport is essential for a fair and sustainable urban mobility transition,’ the study notes. ‘Public transportation provides an ideal compromise between CO2 emission reductions and investments, but also is the only inclusive mobility option for all segments of the population.’
Find out more about the study here, and about the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress here.
