World Capital Leading the Charge in Eco-Friendly Transportation: Oslo

In the face of global challenges like climate change and social unrest, cities across the globe are gearing up to redefine urban mobility. One such city leading the charge is Dubai, which has announced plans to transition its public transportation system to an emissions-free model by 2050.

Meanwhile, Mexico City continues to encourage electric vehicle (EV) ownership with non-financial incentives such as tax exemptions during "no-car days." This shift towards a greener future is not limited to Mexico City; investments in micromobility networks have been made in cities like Dublin and Johannesburg.

However, the pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities in urban mobility systems. Cities that struggled during this period failed to capitalise on the interruption, instead allowing for additional regressions such as reduced public transit service and decreased road safety. This underscores the importance of increasing private sector support to cover the cost of innovative solutions and improve the standard of living across all communities.

The benefits of such investments are substantial. Every $1 billion invested in public transportation may generate 50,000 new jobs and $5 in returns for every $1 invested. This economic boost, coupled with the environmental benefits, makes a strong case for prioritising sustainable mobility.

Singapore, which slipped one point from the previous year's index, faced difficulties achieving a balance between COVID safety and connection. Despite this, cities like Oslo, Norway have reclaimed the top spot in the electric vehicle index. Oslo's success is attributed to socially beneficial policies such as car-free zones and a reliable, reasonably priced public transit system. The city also offers benefits to EV owners, including reduced toll prices and priority access to specific roads.

However, the focus now needs to turn to improving public transit as we embark on a new chapter in sustainable mobility. The city that experienced a decline in the Urban Mobility Readiness Index 2022 is London, primarily due to uncertainties and delays related to its transport infrastructure projects and regulatory challenges affecting mobility innovations.

Future transportation concerns, particularly in public transit, need to be addressed. Efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure are usually made by automakers and other private businesses. Public-private partnerships can speed up this development, as demonstrated by Zurich's collaboration with a manufacturing company to commission 45 electric bus charging stations.

In New York, some businesses are helping low-income neighborhoods afford e-bikes. Traffic fatalities have decreased in Mumbai as a result of road safety initiatives. These examples show that sustainable mobility is not just about technology, but also about creating equitable and safe cities for all.

Cities with robust and sustainable economies may be better equipped to withstand future disruptions. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to remember that the success of our cities depends on the success of their mobility systems. The transition may not be easy, but with the right strategies and partnerships, we can create cities that are not only greener, but also more livable and equitable.