Many cities around the world struggle to manage a holistic multimodal transport system. Travelers, however, only see one system which gets them from A to B. For them, a good system is one that provides this basic functionality in the safest and most cost effective way. Is so many different variables coming together with mobility. We can't just plug down some new mode of transportation and then the problem will be solved.

So how can cities use technology for efficient, inclusive urban mobility solutions for all?

Last week was tuned for Digital Freedom Festival which is one of the cutest and meaningful events in Baltic States. Gunita had a chance to share the stage and address Smart Mobility in Smart City topic. Instead of discussing self driving all over again we wanted to raise  some underlying questions such as:

👉 safety issues affecting vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, etc. How to be smart and safe?

For the first/last mile solutions there is  this new wave of micro-mobilities swiped cities. The number of conflicts in cities is skyrocketing, damaging the essential safety of the transport system. Many cities witness a strong increase in accidents and crashes, particularly those affecting vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, etc. The safety of the system could significantly improve using effective and systematic connectivity (e.g. DSRC, 5G, WIFI).

We can not punish those who are not using any transport mode to feel under danger. How to make last mile solutions that integrate with human behavior on the road, sidewalk or you can also read this question on how we redesign streetspace according to new modes coming in? Maybe sidewalk of 5m wide with painted lines for scooters, pedestrians, bikes and small shops or parklets for example.

👉 who pays for mobility? governance of smart mobility? public or private reliability?

There are few aspects to look into. Mobility as a means of transport and mobility as a socio - economic feed. Most cities have to subsidise public transport in order to maintain relative access to mobility across city. As city grows as more expensive it gets. Usually its combined with more drastic car movement regulations, entrance fees and so on. Introducing new modes of transport shall require redesigning of streetscape to keep all road users safe and sound as well as increase their social and economic value in the city. While you feel comfortable on the bike or walking you are much more likely to stop by coffee shop, bakery, salon than if you are moving with a car in the city.

So introducing different new silos of transportation modes such as e-cars, e-scooters can actually decrease citizens socio-economic value therefore create loss to the city and shall be covered from somewhere. Sustainable governance of mobility in terms of business model is a crucial topic of discussion while discussing new super vehicles coming to streets. Holistic multimodal transport modeling, simulation and prediction is needed.

👉 is mobility advantage for privileged? while becoming fast and smart, how smart mobility effects segregation in outskirts of metropolitan area?

How can we make sure that those who can not afford to live in the city can still access city within a reasonable time  and cost? It’s not a secret that takes on average 3h to commute back and forth from outer metropolitan area to the city every day in most cities. Using the data and integrating it so that we could really plan and organise mobility for those people who do a longer commute. That data can actually help you to plan future elements

In Vividly we do VR and AR solutions for architecture and urban planning. We truly stand for inclusive and engaged citizens while developing smart cities..

We believe that how we experience the mobility in city shapes our economic and social relationships.

Thanks to panelists Kayvan Nikjou, Mārtiņš Bičevskis, Andreas Blin, the moderator Antti Rantanen and Digital Freedom Festival team for putting up such interesting discussion 🙌