Urban modal shift management in cities: an indicator based approach

Abstract

This paper will discuss how increased transport has negative effects on quality of life, welfare and environment, especially in urban areas. Despite the indispensable function of transport in society, reflections on its overall sustainability must be considered. Minimizing congestion and emissions restricts environmental damage, air pollution, noise nuisance and loss of productive time. In composing sustainable transport policy, city authorities should rely on an assessment monitor to direct transportation patterns towards an urban modal shift. This paper proposes a methodology to assess urban transport, based on sustainability indicators. Different ecological, social, economical, and transport indicators are presented to measure current urban transportation patterns. The integration of such assessment instruments in urban modal shift management should improve accessibility and quality of life.