Combined Mobility is the answer for modern mobility needs

Modern mobility is based on flexibility and a high level of convenience

The common and undeniable target is to change citizens’ travel behaviour and offer a genuine alternative to the car. Modern mobility is based on flexibility and a high level of convenience. Combined Mobility is the answer: car sharing, taxis and shared taxis, bicycle and bike-sharing, car-pooling, demand-responsive transport, car-rental, etc., are services that can complement the classic fixed line- and timetable-bound public transport services and, together with walking, they form a complete and coherent mobility solution. Public transport should no longer consider these forms of mobility as competitive but rather as services that can be mutually beneficial. They help households to refrain from purchasing a car (or an additional one). Indeed, Combined Mobility can compete with the privately owned car in terms of convenience and cost-structure and thus can help improve the quality of life in our cities.

Urban population is expected to double within the next 40 years

The objective here is to demonstrate that Combined Mobility services are not just a separate add-on but are an integral part of the mobility product range. The vicious circle of urban sprawl problems, congestion and lack of space is choking our cities and leading to a decline in quality of life as mobility demand rises. The urban population is expected to double within the next 40 years in many areas of the world. Cities will face inevitable socio-economic, logistical and ecological challenges that, in turn, will force many daily commuters out of the city and into the suburbs, making traffic volumes skyrocket. As municipalities and governments push for better solutions to improve accessibility and liveability in cities, it is time to take stock of recent developments.

Cities are now ‘open’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Public transport is by far the most efficient solution in terms of required space and forms the core of an effective transport system for successful cities. Yet, the pace of urban life has sped up and many cities are now ‘open’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet city dwellers’ demand to access urban services whenever and wherever they want. This has resulted in more frequent and varied trips, but many of these trips cannot efficiently be provided by conventional public transport. Public transport is being challenged to become a key player in providing ever-more flexible and varied mobility services. UITP’s strategy for the sector, which aims to double the public transport market share worldwide by 2025, therefore encourages its members to build intermodal strategic alliances with Combined Mobility services such as taxis, bikes and car-sharing. This is the key to becoming real mobility providers, enabling a more complete offer for customers and delivering lifestyle services.