Mastering mobility: costs and benefits of the sustainable transition

In order to meet the EU Green Deal objective of zero net greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050, and the 2030 benchmark of a 55% reduction of GHGs compared to 1990 levels, radical changes need to be embraced. Not only will cities require significant investment for technological advancements to keep pace with need, but citizen behaviour must also shift to more sustainable modes of transportation. An updated report from EIT Urban Mobility details the scope of investment needed by European cities to reach the EU Green Deal objectives and transition to sustainable urban mobility.  

The report, titled ‘Costs and benefits of the urban mobility transition’ an update to research originally conducted in 2021, notably reports that €1.5 trillion will be needed in investment to reach the goals of the EU Green Deal. While this investment is sizeable, the report goes further to illustrate the long-term financial benefits of the transition to sustainable urban mobility transition. Ultimately, the study found that depending on the scenario, cities could expect a 60-150% return on investment, once external cost savings are taken into account. This is due to saved costs resulting from decreased GHG emissions, minimised air and noise pollution, and reductions in injuries and fatalities, to name a few.  

By evaluating three transition scenarios across twelve diverse European city prototypes the report concludes that technological advancements could cut CO2 emissions by 21% by 2030, falling short of the emission reduction ambitioned by the Green Deal. Meeting this goal (a 62,3% reduction compared to 2022 levels) requires a comprehensive approach that includes significant public engagement and behaviour change. 

An emphasis on public transport 

In order to effectively reduce private car usage for lowered emissions, the study identifies that offering more mobility options (an approach referred to as ‘supply side measures’) is not enough to reduce private motorised transport usage. Rather, a combination of infrastructure rollout, such as attractive public transport options, shared mobility solutions, cycling infrastructure as well as the implementation of access restrictions such as low-emission zones should be deployed. According to the study, the implementation of these strategies could lead to a 16% reduction in private vehicle car trips, the largest reduction found in all scenarios planned by the study.  

The report emphasises the prioritisation of public transport as crucial for an equitable and sustainable urban mobility transition. Public transport currently serves as the most viable solution for CO2 emission reductions and stands out as the most inclusive mobility option for all societal segments.  

Additionally, the scenario that assumed the highest reduction in car trips shows the greatest uptake in public transport ridership, an increase of 7% by 2030. Not only does this scenario reduce emissions, but also boasts the lowest costs for users. According to the study, the strongest change of mobility habits away from private motorised transport towards more public transport, leads to the highest cumulated cost savings – totalling up to €2,900 per inhabitant in 2030, and €15,000 per inhabitant by 2050.  

Active mobility for health benefits 

The report also found that shifting to more active transport modes, like walking and cycling, could yield substantial benefits in both personal and public health. Reportedly, in one scenario, the promotion of increased active mobility saw great benefits in terms of financial public health savings – adding up to €1,170 per resident by 2050. 

In addition to direct health benefits, enhanced road safety measures were seen to reduce traffic fatalities by up to 70%. Through safer infrastructure and the integration of intelligent transport systems, road safety can be optimised for dramatic decreases in traffic fatalities. 

A future-oriented approach to mobility 

According to the research, by 2050, all three simulated scenarios will meet the Green Deal’s decarbonisation goals, primarily through continued technological advancements. While the necessary investments require a focused commitment from public and private actors, the benefits illustrated in the report provide an optimistic glimpse into what a future with sustainable urban mobility could offer.  

As European cities strive to reach their climate goals, the “Costs and benefits of the urban mobility transition” study can serve as a helpful resource for policymakers, urban planners and stakeholders navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead. Maria Tsavachidis, CEO of EIT Urban Mobility, explains, “The report underscores the urgency of prioritising the right investments in clean mobility and its positive returns for health and the environment.” 

To learn more, explore the full study: Costs and benefits of the urban mobility transition