Heading towards a multimodal city of the future?

Abstract

Abstract In redesigning city infrastructure to become sustainable and future-oriented, critical city subsystems, such as the urban mobility system, present a serious challenge. In order to avoid regime stalemates and path dependency, substantial changes to the urban mobility systems are required to limit economic, ecological, population and institutional constraints. We argue that the socio-technical system of multimodal mobility has the potential to solve some of today's urban mobility challenges. Multimodal mobility combines both private and public transport modes, thereby capitalizing on the benefits of various systems. Realizing that mobility systems are non-monolithic and transitions require interdisciplinary analyses, we adopt a multi-level perspective with actors across different fields. This paper aims to guide cities in developing a long-term future vision of urban mobility systems in Germany while drawing on considerations of transition theory. Our comprehensive approach, conceptualized through a strategic issue management framework, draws on empirical evidence from three parallel Delphi studies and several focus group workshops to present strategic implications to firms, public authorities, and customers. Among others, the strategy agenda for stakeholders must coordinate efforts to utilize system strengths, advance intelligent transport systems, diversify the portfolio of public and private financing, change business models, and create a renaissance of civil participation.