This week on the What is the future for cities? podcast, we looked at the changing world of urban transport through two episodes. Tuesday’s research episode (353R) summed up the 2021 article “Urban mobility scenarios until the 2030s” by Márk Miskolczi, Dávid Földes, András Munkácsy, and Melinda Jászberényi. It pulled together 52 scenarios from 62 studies to outline four possible futures for city travel by 2030, focusing on autonomous vehicles (AVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and shared options. This led into Thursday’s interview (354I) with Andrew J. Cary, CEO and co-founder of SNAAP Transportation, who shared his views on innovative, scalable solutions for urban mobility, education, and government roles.

These episodes fit right into 2025 trends, where cities face growing congestion, environmental pressures, and the rise of tech like AVs and EVs. The research showed how shared and automated systems could cut traffic and emissions, while Cary stressed practical, non-conventional fixes that work at scale. Together, they highlight how cities can boost economic vitality through smarter transport, reducing time lost in traffic and opening new opportunities.

From these episodes, five key lessons stand out on planning and innovating for urban mobility.

Lesson 1: Urban mobility is heading towards shared and electric systems for better efficiency

The research episode outlined four scenarios for 2030s transport, with “Mine is Yours” – a sharing-focused future – as the most likely, backed by 35% of studies. Here, car ownership drops as people use ride-hailing, bike-sharing, and integrated apps for seamless trips. EVs become common, cutting emissions, while public transport blends with shared options for less congestion. Cities like those in Europe show this in action with car-free zones and scooter fleets.

Cary’s interview echoed this, pointing out mass transit often misses the mark for places like airports, where small groups travel. He pushed for lightweight, solar-charged EVs that scale easily without massive infrastructure. This lesson shows economic gains: shared systems lower costs for users and cities, freeing budgets for other needs. By 2030, cities adopting this could see shorter commutes, boosting productivity and local business – a win for urban economies facing growth pressures.

Lesson 2: Innovation in transport means improving existing ways, not just inventing new ones

Cary defined innovation as creating something new or enhancing what’s there, but stressed it’s about real improvement, not hype. He critiqued flying cars as fun but impractical for most needs, favouring ground-based solutions like his SNAAP system – lightweight vehicles for efficient, low-impact travel. The research supported this with “At an Easy Pace” scenario (29% likelihood), where gradual EV and AV adoption builds on current roads, adding driver aids without full overhauls.

This gradual approach avoids costly disruptions, as seen in studies where partial automation cuts accidents by optimising traffic flow. Cary’s “rise and execute” mindset fits here: test and scale what works, like battery-powered shuttles over heavy rail. This lesson highlights economic sense: cities save by upgrading existing infrastructure, reducing build times and taxpayer burdens. For 2030s planning, it means focusing on reliable gains, like EV charging networks, to drive steady economic growth through better connectivity.

Lesson 3: Governments should focus on enabling scalable solutions, not doing everything

Cary argued governments can’t fix all mobility issues due to fiscal limits, calling for a balance where public roles support private innovation. He noted mass transit suits high-density spots but wastes resources elsewhere, like airports with small-group travel. Instead, governments should back scalable alternatives, like his lightweight EVs, which adapt without tearing up roads.

The research’s “Tech Eager Mobility” scenario (newer studies favour it) shows governments enabling AV fleets for optimised traffic, but only if regulations allow testing. Cary’s fiscal conservatism – love people but don’t fund lifestyles – aligns with this: public funds for basics, private for scaling. This lesson points to economic efficiency: cities thrive when governments facilitate, not dominate, letting market-driven solutions like shared EVs cut costs and emissions. By 2030, this could mean faster rollouts, boosting urban productivity and attracting investment.

Lesson 4: Scalability in education and mobility relies on replicating proven models

Cary drew parallels between education and transport, stressing “keep it simple” by scaling what works. In education, he layered tech like student info systems over basics for real-time assessments, informing teaching without complexity. For mobility, replicate lightweight, solar-charged vehicles that fit needs like airport shuttles, avoiding overbuilt systems.

The research’s “Mine is Yours” scenario scales sharing via apps integrating bikes, rides, and transit, reducing car reliance. Cary’s global experience showed replicating data-driven tools builds scalable stacks, from K-12 education to urban flows. This lesson emphasises economic leverage: cities scale proven tech to cut waste, like AV pilots expanding to fleets. By focusing on replicable models, urban areas can adapt quickly, driving efficiency and growth in 2030s economies facing resource strains.

Lesson 5: Cities’ synergies make them hubs for economic and innovative progress

Cary praised cities’ energy and creativity, where diverse groups converge for synergies in business, faith, or culture. He warned of core erosion without action on mobility and jobs, but saw hope in innovations like his SNAAP for under-served areas. The research’s scenarios show cities thriving economically with AV/EV integration, reclaiming parking for parks or housing in “Tech Eager” futures.

Cary’s “people of determination” term reframes challenges as opportunities, boosting urban productivity. This lesson highlights cities’ economic edge: synergies foster innovation clusters, like shared mobility apps creating jobs. By addressing access, cities sustain vitality, turning 2030s trends into growth engines through collaborative, adaptive planning.

This week’s What is the future for cities? podcast episodes illuminated urban mobility’s transformative potential. Episode 353 distilled 52 mobility scenarios into four futures, highlighting shared and electric systems as likely 2030 paths. Episode 354’s interview with Andrew J. Cary brought practical insights, advocating scalable, non-conventional solutions like lightweight EVs to boost urban efficiency. Five lessons emerged: shared/EV systems enhance economic vitality, innovation improves existing infrastructure, governments enable scalable fixes, proven models drive scalability, and cities’ synergies fuel progress. These align with 2025 trends, where AVs, EVs, and sharing tackle congestion and emissions, positioning cities as innovation hubs. Cary’s “rise and execute” ethos and the research’s focus on gradual shifts challenge planners to act decisively, ensuring economic growth through adaptive, cost-effective transport.

Cities must embrace these strategies to turn mobility challenges into opportunities for vibrant, connected urban futures.

What mobility trend excites you most?

Next week we are investigating holistic resource management and agriculture, with Allan Savory!

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