Rethinking urban mobility: a roadmap for sustainable transformation – Cities Today

Urban Mobility and Sustainable Development Goals: A Critical Inflection Point

Date: 26 June 2025

Introduction

Urban mobility faces significant challenges as nearly 70 percent of the global population is projected to reside in urban areas by 2050. This rapid urbanization exerts unsustainable pressure on transportation systems, resulting in congestion, pollution, and safety issues that cost cities up to 4 percent of their GDP annually. These challenges directly impact several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Understanding the Present to Shape the Future

Effective urban mobility reform begins with a comprehensive assessment of current conditions. Cities must analyze:

1. How people move within urban spaces
2. Systemic failures and inefficiencies
3. Populations left behind by current mobility systems
4. Root causes of urban mobility challenges

For example, private vehicles constitute over 70 percent of urban trips yet contribute nearly 90 percent of transport emissions, impacting SDG 13. This diagnostic phase enables cities to develop a resident-focused vision aligned with SDG 11 targets, such as London’s goal for 80 percent of trips to be made by active, efficient, and sustainable modes by 2041.

Following vision establishment, cities must create strategic action plans prioritizing initiatives based on feasibility, investment requirements, and expected impact. These plans are tailored to each city’s unique context, including economic structure, cultural factors, and geography.

Start Small, Move Fast: Quick Wins for Sustainable Urban Mobility

Initial transformation efforts should focus on delivering quick wins to build momentum, public confidence, and unlock funding for larger projects. Examples include:

• Dedicated bus lanes
• E-bike sharing pilot programs
• Rapid expansion of bike lanes
• Implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems

These interventions, often deployable within six to twelve months, have demonstrated significant impacts such as a 60 percent increase in biking usage and a 25 percent reduction in bus travel times. These outcomes contribute to SDG 3 by improving health through active transportation and SDG 11 by enhancing sustainable urban mobility.

Laying the Foundations for Long-Term Impact

Long-term investments are essential for profound urban mobility transformation. Key initiatives include:

• Construction of high-capacity metro lines
• Electrification of vehicle fleets
• Redesign of regional mobility hubs

For instance, Medellín, Colombia, integrated cable cars with metro lines to extend transit access to over 500,000 underserved residents, promoting economic opportunity and social inclusion aligned with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Digital twin technology supports these investments by enabling real-time virtual modeling of urban mobility systems, improving efficiency by 15 to 20 percent, reducing congestion, and optimizing infrastructure investments. This technological advancement aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11.

Governance, Trust, and the Role of People

Successful urban mobility transformations require strong governance and public trust. Essential components include:

• Establishment of cross-sector leadership teams
• Setting measurable targets
• Transparent progress management
• Active public engagement and feedback mechanisms

Research indicates that programs with active public participation are twice as likely to succeed, reinforcing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Visible benefits such as reduced travel times, cleaner air, and safer streets foster trust and support. Ultimately, mobility transformation is about creating healthier, more inclusive cities where all residents can move freely and thrive, advancing SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 11.

Conclusion

Urban mobility transformation is pivotal to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By combining strategic assessment, quick wins, long-term investments, and inclusive governance, cities can convert current challenges into opportunities for sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban futures.

Article provided by Boston Consulting Group.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on urban mobility challenges and solutions to create more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban transport systems.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Emphasis on infrastructure investments such as metro lines, digital twins, and AI technologies to improve urban mobility.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Improving air quality and safety in cities through reduced congestion and pollution.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing transport emissions by shifting modal share to sustainable transport modes and electrifying vehicle fleets.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing social inclusion by expanding public transit access to underserved populations (e.g., Medellín’s cable cars).

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 11
   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 3
   • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
4. SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
5. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Modal Share of Sustainable Transport
   • Example: London’s target for 80% of trips by active, efficient, and sustainable modes by 2041.
2. Transport Emissions
   • Private vehicles responsible for nearly 90% of transport emissions; reduction in emissions is implied as a progress measure.
3. Public Transport Usage and Travel Times
   • Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems reducing bus travel times by up to 25% and increasing public transport usage.
4. Congestion and Infrastructure Efficiency
   • Use of digital twins leading to 15-20% efficiency gains in congestion reduction and infrastructure optimization.
5. Access to Public Transit for Underserved Populations
   • Example: Medellín’s cable cars expanding access to over 500,000 previously underserved residents.
6. Safety and Air Quality Improvements
   • Shorter travel times, cleaner air, and safer streets as indicators of public trust and successful transformation.
7. Resident Satisfaction and Public Engagement
   • Resident feedback and satisfaction as qualitative indicators of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cities-today.com