According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), 68% of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050. Rapid urbanization is increasing the demand for sustainable transport solutions, which provide efficient and eco-friendly mobility options. In 2022, transportation accounted for nearly 20.7% of global CO2 emissions. Traffic congestion also has a significant economic impact. An INRIX report reveals that commuters in major U.S. cities lose an average of 42 hours per year in traffic, costing each driver $733. Istanbul (105 hours) topped the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, followed by New York, Chicago, and London.
Congested streets, pollution, and inefficient public transit threaten millions of urban residents. Traditional car-centric models no longer meet modern mobility needs. Cities must adopt forward-thinking urban planning and smart mobility solutions to create healthier, more livable environments while minimizing environmental impact.
Car-free and low-emission zones
Car-free zones significantly limit or eliminate private car access in key areas, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution. These zones encourage pedestrian-friendly spaces, making streets safer and more attractive for walking and cycling. Many cities also establish low-emission zones (LEZs), allowing only vehicles that meet strict emissions standards. These policies encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to cleaner urban air.
Many cities have successfully implemented car-free zones. At New Polis, we have discussed the 15-minute city concept and Barcelona’s Superblocks initiative. For example, Utrecht is developing Merwede, the Netherlands’ largest car-free district. Designed for 12,000 residents, it prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transit while offering 21,500 bicycle parking spaces and shared mobility options. Similarly, Pontevedra, Spain, has drastically reduced car use since 1999, leading to a 67% drop in CO2 emissions and making walking and cycling the dominant commuting methods.
Public transit investment and funding innovations
Investing in public transport ensures cities provide efficient, reliable, and affordable mobility options. Expanding subway and bus networks, increasing service frequency, and integrating different transport modes make public transit more attractive. Cities must also explore sustainable funding models, such as congestion pricing, employer transit contributions, and reinvesting parking fees into public transit.
Robust public transport networks reduce car dependency. Cities like Paris, Jakarta, and Bogotá have implemented innovative funding strategies. Paris covers nearly half of its transit system costs through employer taxes, while Bogotá reinvests parking fees into public transit improvements. These models help cities maintain affordable, high-quality transit services while encouraging more people to use public transport instead of private cars.
Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
Investing in dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways is one of key sustainable transport solutions that promote active mobility and reduces car dependence. Protected bike lanes, secure parking, and bike-sharing systems make cycling a practical alternative for daily commutes. Cities that prioritize pedestrian-friendly urban design—widened sidewalks, safe crossings, and car-free plazas—enhance walkability, improve public health, and alleviate traffic congestion.
At New Polis, we have highlighted cycling as a key pillar of sustainable mobility. This approach is particularly advanced in Northern Europe. In the Netherlands, 50% of train travelers arrive at stations by bike, supported by extensive cycling infrastructure. Utrecht Central Station alone offers 33,000 bike parking spaces. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have set global benchmarks, demonstrating that well-designed bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets significantly reduce car dependency.
Shared mobility and carpooling
Shared mobility solutions provide flexible and cost-effective alternatives to private car ownership. Bike-sharing, car-sharing, and ride-hailing services reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, lowering emissions and traffic congestion. Digital platforms offer seamless access to shared vehicles, while carpooling programs increase vehicle occupancy and decrease road congestion. These solutions work best when integrated with public transit, ensuring convenient first- and last-mile connectivity. Cities worldwide have successfully adopted shared mobility. Car-sharing services like Zipcar and bike-sharing programs like Paris’ Velib have reduced urban car use. Digital platforms facilitate carpooling initiatives, cutting commuting costs while lowering congestion and emissions.
Urban design and smart mobility
Effective urban design reduces the need for long commutes by creating mixed-useneighborhoods where people can live, work, and socialize in the same area. Transit-oriented development (TOD) clusters residential and commercial buildings around public transport hubs, decreasing car dependency.
Smart mobility solutions enhance urban transportation efficiency. Intelligent traffic management systems use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms integrate multiple transport options, allowing users to plan and pay for multimodal journeys in one place. Cities like Singapore and Helsinki leverage AI and digital tools to improve urban mobility.
Mixed-use development and transit-oriented planning are transforming cities. Tokyo and Singapore have built high-density residential and commercial areas around transit hubs, minimizing commuting distances. Barcelona’s Superblocks initiative prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, improving urban livability.
Smart mobility solutions further optimize transport. London’s congestion pricing system and Helsinki’s MaaS platform (Whim app) demonstrate how technology enhances transportation efficiency and sustainability.
How Businesses and Individuals Can Embrace Sustainable Transport Solutions
For businesses:
- Encourage employees to use public transit, cycling, or carpooling by offering incentives or subsidized transit passes.
- Implement remote work policies and flexible hours to reduce rush-hour congestion.
- Support local infrastructure projects that improve public and active transportation options.
For individuals:
- Choose walking, cycling, or public transit over driving whenever possible.
- Participate in carpooling programs or use shared mobility services to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Advocate for better cycling and public transit infrastructure in your community.
The path forward
Sustainable transport solution require collaboration between governments, city planners, businesses, and residents. By prioritizing investments in public transit, cycling infrastructure, and shared mobility, cities can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve overall quality of life. Utrecht, Pontevedra, and Bogotá show that transitioning to sustainable mobility is not only possible but essential for a greener future.
By working together, authorities, businesses and individuals can accelerate the shift toward sustainable transport and create cleaner, healthier cities for future generations
