POLIS joins Arthur D. Little to exchange insights on the future of mobility
On 10 December 2024, POLIS Secretary General Karen Vancluysen joined the panel discussion at Arthur D. Little's (ADL) Executive Insight Lunch event in Brussels to highlight key findings from the ADL x POLIS report on the future of mobility. The event also featured the recently launched Mobility Leaders Survey 2024, prepared by ADL in collaboration with POLIS and BVA Xsight. Find out more below!
Are we changing gears in the journey toward sustainable mobility? Despite the promise of sustainable mobility options to reduce emissions, increase choice and deliver seamless journeys, its progress over the last 15 years has been slow, and 70% of passenger-km journeys in urban areas are still by individual car. Therefore, this key question remains at the forefront of current discussions surrounding the future of mobility, and after exploring it at the Annual POLIS Conference 2024, POLIS Secretary General Karen Vancluysen shared the perspective of cities and regions once again at the panel discussion of Arthur D. Little's Executive Insight Lunch event in Brussels, where high-level mobility experts gathered to exchange on the future of mobility. Other panellists included:
- Brieuc de Meeûs, Chief Executive Officer, STIB / MIVB
- Denis Gorteman, Chief Executive Officer, D’Ieteren Automotive
- Frédéric Nyssens, Head of Corporate Strategy, SNCB / NMBS
- François-Joseph Van Audenhove, Managing Partner - Travel, Transportation & Hospitality, Arthur D. Little
Indeed, the event was a unique opportunity to share the ADL x POLIS report on 'The future of mobility 5.0', published earlier this September, with key stakeholders from the mobility field. Each of the eight high-impact solutions (climate change mitigation policies, city of proximity, dimensioning of mass transit, new mobility services, MaaS, autonomous mobility, mobility demand management, and mobility funding) identified as being able to transform the growth of virtuous mobility was presented, and how they can potentially double the shade of sustainable mobility in the modal split from approximately 30% to 60% of passenger kilometres (PAX) over the next decade.
From left to right: François-Joseph Van Audenhove (ADL), Denis Gorteman (D’Ieteren Automotive), Karen Vancluysen (POLIS), Brieuc de Meeûs (STIB/MIVB), Frédéric Nyssens (SNCB/NMBS)
The panel discussion touched upon these dimensions, highlighting the need to move to multimodal lifestyles, which require physical (mobility hubs, interchanges) and digital (MaaS) integration. Changing mobility habits is no small feat, and requires eliminating barriers for citizens to access different modes. The way forward must ensure good cooperation between the public and private sectors through innovative public-private partnerships, new business models, and policy-responsive innovation, for maximum effectiveness. In this regard, the importance of courage and leadership for driving effective change was also raised, with Karen Vancluysen expressing how it is essential for leaders to focus on the silent majority rather than altering course due to pressure from a vocal minority.
The significant value of public mobility data was also discussed, and how it should not be freely distributed without consideration: critical discussions remain to be had on who should be in charge of said data, and how it can benefit mobility offers for citizens. When it comes to new emerging solutions such as automation, Karen Vancluysen highlighted how it should not be seen as a universal solution, as it can risk exacerbating urban sprawl if not managed properly. Cities must prepare for the challenges and opportunities automation will bring by ensuring the right skills and policies are in place. When looking at key solutions for the future, panellists shared the importance of seamless coordination between different modes of transport for effective mobility systems, as well as prioritising sustainable modes like active travel (cycling and walking) and public transport, as they can transform cities into safer, people-focused environments. This will require bold action to reclaim space currently dominated by vehicles.
The Mobility Leaders Survey, 2024: out now!
The event also featured the recently launched Mobility Leaders Survey 2024, published by ADL in collaboration with POLIS and BVA Xsight in preparation for the ADL x POLIS report: 'The future of mobility 5.0'. This quantitative global survey was conducted to examine the experiences, accomplishments, and prospects of mobility leaders. Representatives from public transit authorities (PTAs), public transport operators (PTOs), micro and shared mobility service providers, investors, and local/regional authorities from a variety of geographic areas participated in the study. Insights into achievements, necessary changes, and the perceived strategic goal for mobility leaders are provided by this viewpoint, which provides important findings from the larger research.
Read the full Mobility Leaders Survey 2024 here.
To read 'The future of mobility 5.0: Making the shift - Changing gear in the journey Making the shift — Changing gear in the journey toward sustainable mobility' report click here.
