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The two S gaining prominence for future of urban mobility – Sustainable and Safe
The two S gaining prominence for future of urban mobility – Sustainable and Safe

June 25, 2021

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The two S gaining prominence for the future of urban mobility – Sustainable and Safe

In my last blog “The Future of Urban Mobility in the New Normal” I had discussed how changing consumer preferences are shifting the trends in mobility towards Micro and mini mobility (Safe and Sustainable), Autonomous (Safe), and Electric Vehicles (Sustainable) and low touch mobility (Safe). This in turn is driven by an increased focus on sustainable living and an increased focus on minimizing touchpoints.

Micro and Mini Mobility

Since the advent of Covid-19, there has been a significant rise of personal mobility with customers using their own assets, with sharing solutions across the globe witnessing a temporary deceleration, until the vaccine makes consumers confident enough. Also, with the second/third wave-making in-roads in countries across the globe, the focus on micro and mini mobility is there to stay. This also works in favor of governments across the globe considering the low levels of investment required and flexibility of these solutions, it is easier for cities to rapidly repurpose streets and public spaces to expand their capacity. While the shared/public transport infrastructure required large investments.

This rise of micro and mini mobility is reflected across countries:

  • New York City is seeing a record number of cyclists
  • Sydney and Melbourne have committed >USD400 million to develop pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
  • UK government has approved a £2 billion package for cycling and walking
  • Milan has plans to remake its streets to discourage cars and encourage walking and cycling
  • Singapore has published a post-Covid transport plan which establishes walking, cycling, and riding, as preferred modes of transportation.

 

                                  Source: Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on urban mobility trends, SIA Partners

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Covid-19 has also accelerated car ownership and with consumers now focused more on sustainable living there is bound to an increased demand for Electric Vehicles especially in markets such as China and Europe where there is a localization of supply chain, and ambitious policy targets.

  • Shenzhen in China has become the first city in the world to convert its entire bus fleet to electric
  • Germany has increased a lot of incentives for EVs
  • Singapore plans to ban internal combustion engine by 2030

 

                               Source: Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on urban mobility trends, SIA Partners

Autonomous Vehicles

These vehicles which experts believe have an advantage over other vehicles owing the lack of human interface will maintain their growth trajectory primarily in ecommerce and delivery. EU under its FABULOS project plans to trial three robot bus prototypes in real-life conditions during the year. China is also planning to develop a blueprint on development of AVs.

Source: Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on urban mobility trends, SIA Partners

 

Low Touch Solutions

This trend needs no explanation and will definitely see acceleration now and forever. Covid-19 has made low-touch solutions imperative for public transportation be it cashless payment, no-touch ticketing, or solutions to enforce social distancing. Cashless transactions have increased manyfold across the globe. Also, there has been a significant increase in demand for sensor-based technologies across airports, railways, bus stations, etc.

                            Source: Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on urban mobility trends, SIA Partners

This focus on sustainable and safe mobility will remain for years to come. But what we need to think deeper on is the third “S” of Shared mobility. What is in store for the segment which was the key focus across the globe in pre-Covid times. Will it die? Will it resume growth? Stay tuned for my next blog to know more.

Happy Reading and Stay Safe!

 


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Neha Jain
Senior Analyst

Neha Jain

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