Skip to main content

New report explores the future of mobility and technology in cities

A new report released today from the National League of Cities (NLC) explores trends in mobility and technology in cities and identifies what cities can do to move seamlessly and efficiently into the future of mobility. City of the Future: Technology and Mobility explores how transportation will change with coming technological disruptions, draws on knowledge from leading experts in the field and delves into city and regional transportation planning documents from the 50 most populous US cities, as well as
November 11, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
A new report released today from the National League of Cities (NLC) explores trends in mobility and technology in cities and identifies what cities can do to move seamlessly and efficiently into the future of mobility. City of the Future: Technology and Mobility explores how transportation will change with coming technological disruptions, draws on knowledge from leading experts in the field and delves into city and regional transportation planning documents from the 50 most populous US cities, as well as the largest cities in every state, providing an unprecedented look into what is happening next.

"Transportation is critical for our cities. This report is part of a multi-year research project that focuses on five different factors affecting cities: technology, economics, climate resilience, culture and demographics," said National League of Cities CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. "By exploring mobility and the impact technology is having on how we all get around, NLC is highlighting specific issues that will help cities anticipate changes in the urban landscape and prepare for the future."

The report finds widening gaps between innovation in the private sector, the expressed preferences of citizens and the visions of city planners regarding transportation investment. The mobility environment in cities is rapidly shifting, primarily due to technology, and this will impact cities' future land-use decision-making, as well as infrastructure planning.

Specifically, a majority of cities do not have concentrated efforts to prepare for new transportation innovations. Though half of the cities surveyed have explicit plans for new highway and infrastructure construction and maintenance, the majority of cities are not taking into account the effect of driverless technology or private transportation network companies.

"Our collective thoughts on the future of transportation have moved from DeLoreans to driverless cars in what seems like the blink of an eye," said Brooks Rainwater, director, NLC Center for City Solutions and Applied Research. "With the mobility environment rapidly changing, cities are central and leading the effort toward better, more seamless and equitable transportation systems."

Related Content

  • In advance of Congressional debate, IBTTA releases Visioning Summit report
    March 31, 2017
    In the lead-up to a much-anticipated policy debate regarding infrastructure investment, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) has released The Futures of Transportation, a report of the Transportation Visioning Summit which convened leaders of 18 major US transportation associations to discuss and consider the future of transportation. Topics featured in the report, along with transportation leaders’ thoughts and analysis of each, include: autonomous and connected vehicles, s
  • US economic stimulus package highlights ITS technology
    July 17, 2012
    US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks to ITS International about economic stimulus funding and the absolute need to maintain and increase the use of technology in transportation. Of the total of $787 billion of funding announced under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the economic stimulus package which was signed into law by US President Barack Obama on 17 February 2009, $48.1 billion will go to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). Of that, $27.5 billion is for highway in
  • Polis 2013 conference calls for greater coordination of EU policies
    December 10, 2013
    Mobility professionals from across Europe have called for greater coordination of European policies that affect urban and regional transport. Speaking at the 2013 Polis conference, new president Javier Rubio de Urquía said, "We need coordination between European environment, climate, research, energy and transport policies as these have a direct impact on urban and regional transport. This is required to deliver the best sustainable urban and regional transport systems in Madrid as well as anywhere else
  • The real case for driverless mobility
    May 13, 2024
    What will automated driving really be good for? Bern Grush of Urban Robotics Foundation offers his thoughts on the big issues around its implementation - and suggests a newly-published book might point the way forward