Author: Andreina Garcia Grisanti, reviewed by: Barbara Riedemann, Ana Maria Cruz and Tu-My Tran.

Cities around the world are working hard to transform mobility and transportation, aiming for a future where urban mobility is both sustainable and inclusive. Even though each city has a specific context and faces unique challenges, the main goal is to advance sustainable urban mobility. From reducing transport emissions and ensuring accessibility to discovering new funding sources for green projects, cities are innovating in remarkable ways. Here’s a look at how various cities are steering towards a sustainable future, based on insights from the “Wheels of change: Steering towards future-proof urban mobility” session at the ICLEI World Congress 2024, held on 19 June in São Paulo, Brazil.

Driving zero-emission mobility

North Miami, United States: The local government of North Miami, Florida, has taken notable actions to promote zero-emission mobility while planning for accessibility, equity, and inclusivity. According to Mayor Alix Desulme, the Bicycle Route Master Plan has been crucial in increasing bicycle use by adding well-designed bike facilities throughout the city. The NoMi Express, a free community trolley service, connects key areas and reduces reliance on personal vehicles. North Miami has also introduced Freebee, an on-demand electric ride-free service available via a mobile app. Following the municipality’s vision, all these projects include bike racks and wheelchair access to ensure that all residents benefit.

Melaka City, Malaysia: Melaka City is adopting a green city vision to address its severe traffic congestion. YB Datuk Rais bin Datuk Wira Yasin, Senior State Minister of the Melaka State Government, described the success of the vehicle-free zones established in the historic city center. These zones, implemented during weekends and specific hours, have been effective in reducing emissions and enhancing tourism, benefiting local merchants and visitors. This initiative is part of the broader Master Plan called “Melaka Green Transport Implementation,” which includes developing a green bus network, introducing micro-mobility options like electric scooters and bikes in heritage areas, and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure with new charging stations.

Himachal Pradesh, India: The high differences in the landscape of Himachal Pradesh cause unique challenges for sustainable mobility, particularly active mobility. The local state is promoting electric vehicles and developing sustainable transportation solutions, to enhance mobility and address environmental concerns. According to Rawther Dawood Nazeem, Principal Secretary of Transport, one notable initiative is the ongoing development of the aerial ropeway project, which aims to improve connectivity and support tourism. Furthermore, there are other projects in the local urban planning to support the adoption of electric vehicles such as investing in charging infrastructure along green corridors, strategically placed based on traffic patterns and key tourism areas.

Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei: In the case of zero-emission urban transportation the local state of Kaohsiung is addressing its mobility challenges through the launch of Kaohsiung 2050 Strategies. Hsu Chia-Yang, Officer of Transportation for Kaohsiung, highlighted that the local government’s focus is expanding the rail system, enhancing shared mobility options, and promoting vehicle electrification. Kaohsiung is the first city in Chinese Taipei to fully digitize its public transportation ticketing system with the MeNGo 2.0 Mobility as a Service (MaaS). This system allows mobile payments for various transport options, making public transit easier to use. Plans are in place to integrate with neighboring cities like Tainan and Pingtung, providing seamless and convenient monthly commuting passes across multiple regions. Moreover, the local state aims to transition to a fully electric bus fleet by 2030 and develop an interconnected intelligent transport system, including clean energy buses like hydrogen-powered models.

A gender-inclusive ride

Quito, Ecuador: Quito’s Municipality is integrating gender equality into its urban mobility strategy through the Solution Plus project. Karolina Ibáñez, Technical and Planning Coordinator at the Municipal Environmental Fund, explained that the project includes features of different initiatives such as locally designing and manufacturing electric vehicles operated by women. This project promotes sustainability and gender equity, providing economic opportunities and advancing women’s participation in the transport sector.

Fortaleza, Brazil: A recycling and mobility project developed by the local state of the City of Fortaleza exemplifies how urban mobility can be inclusive and supportive of marginalized communities. Dalila Menezes Vasconcelos, Coordinator of Innovative Projects at the Fortaleza Research and Planning Institute, described how the Re-ciclo Project uses solar-powered electric tricycles for recyclable collection. The program supports female recyclers, including single mothers and Afro-descendants, who also serve as trainers and recruiters. With 120 electric bicycles provided by the Mayor’s Office, the initiative has significantly expanded, creating valuable job opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability.

Powering innovative mobility finance

São Paulo, Brazil: The City of São Paulo has offered various transport subsidies, including free rides for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income students. These subsidies, side by side with zero tariffs on weekends, are designed to encourage public transport use over private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion and emissions. George William Gidali, Director of SP Trans, highlighted São Paulo’s strong efforts to add over 2,000 electric buses to its public transport system. 

Medellín, Colombia: The City of Medellín is exploring the use of congestion charges and parking fees. Although these measures are still in the planning stages, they are intended to build a business case and attract funding for a transition to a 100% electric public transport fleet. Mateo González, Mobility Secretary, highlighted that while electric vehicles come with higher initial costs, the city aims to balance these expenses with long-term savings and environmental benefits.

A collective path forward

Local and regional governments are changing the path of mobility and transportation based on their unique challenges, vision, and opportunities. By sharing experiences, cities can inspire each other and demonstrate that progress in sustainable mobility is both achievable and important. “The journey towards future-proof urban transport is complex, but with continued innovation and collaboration, we can secure a sustainable future and shape a shared vision for urban transportation” concluded Tu My Tran, Head of Sustainable Mobility, ICLEI World Secretariat.

• Photo 1: Hsu Chia-Yang (Officer at Transportation Bureau, City of Kaohsiung), YB Datuk Rais bin Datuk Wira Yasin (Senior State Minister of the Melaka State Government), Rawther Dawood Nazeem (Principal-Secretary Transport, Himachal Pradesh, India) and Tu My Tran (Head of Sustainable Mobility, ICLEI World Secretariat)
• Photo 2: Alix Desulme (Mayor, City of North Miami, USA) and Tu My Tran (Head of Sustainable Mobility, ICLEI World Secretariat)
• Photo 3: Karolina Ibáñez (Technical and Planning Coordinator Municipal Environmental Fund of Quito, Ecuador) and Dalila Menezes Vasconcelos (Coordinator of Innovative Projects at Fortaleza Research and Planning Institute of Fortaleza, Brazil)
• Photo 4: Tu My Tran (Head of Sustainable, Mobility ICLEI World Secretariat), George William Gidali (Director, SP Trans, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Mateo González Benítez (Secretary of Mobility, Medellin, Colombia)