Most modern cities struggle with severe traffic congestion and emissions. Thus, achieving an efficient and climate-neutral urban transport system is one of the key urban challenges. The widespread availability of technology (e.g., the internet and smart phones) and changes in societal trends, particularly work habits (e.g., telework and overtime work) adds another layer of complexity, increase uncertainty and provide new challenges to urban mobility. Understanding the impacts of these new developments on citizens’ location choices and associated travel patterns and providing new innovative solutions to the urban traffic system is critical to achieve an efficient, low-emission and sustainable urban environment.

With real-life experiments and advanced urban transport modelling approaches, we will investigate short-term behavioral impacts and long-term implications of these challenges on urban mobility and city structure. We will further explore the potential for integrated Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions and market-based personal carbon permit trading in providing an efficient, equitable and zero-emission urban traffic system. This project thus aims to contribute to achieving accessible, climate-neutral and sustainable cities in China and the EU and provide citizens with sustainable and efficient solutions integrating multiple types of transport modes.