An Eco-Mobility Equation

The Importance of Stakeholders and Leaders

The five eco-mobility strategies discussed conceptually define the general directions of sustainable mobility and the possibility of a better society to which they may lead. However, the successful fulfillment of these eco-mobility strategies is exponentially influenced by the involved stakeholders and leadership. Therefore, the behavior of stakeholders, S, in the proposed equation indicates the importance of how the interests between different stakeholders are coordinated, as eco-mobility related projects usually involve certain levels of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The private sector is generally considered more efficient and flexible in attaining project objectives that are not necessarily consistent with public interests. The behavior of stakeholders has to be shaped based on well-defined objectives of EM implementation, which maximize the benefits of both sectors, thereby motivating reasonable efforts to pursue common and respective interests.

Above all, leadership, L, is the key factor, albeit abstract, for how an eco-mobility related project can be implemented, especially for many developing countries that are currently undergoing different stages of social development and reformation. Both the government and citizens may still be learning to balance the conflicts between various aspects of social development. Studies from theoretical and practical perspectives have extensively discussed the traits required for a leader. In the context of eco-mobility in developing cities, leadership may translate into holistic vision, systematic thinking, inspiring resolution, and a willing heart to listen to and understand the needs from different perspectives of a society.

Both S and L are located as the exponents in the proposed equation, which specifies their decisive effects. Leadership and a well-coordinated relationship between stakeholders can trigger strong momentum in changing traveller behaviour towards greener
transportation and social development, resulting in an effective implementation of eco- mobility beyond expectation.

Other Important Issues

“Time” is an important hidden factor in the proposed equation, as the implementation of EM is also an interactive process involving the change of traveler behavior and land-use patterns. In the future, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), based on the advancement of ICT, leads to the possibility of smart mobility that is more efficient in travel time and energy savings. The rapid penetration of smartphones redefines how traffic/ travel information can be provided or shared pre-trip or en-route in a real- time context. This considerably facilitates the match between demand and supply, thereby enabling better use of available transport capacity. For instance, a traveler can easily check the taxi closest to him/ her or the transit route with the shortest waiting time.

It is predicted that 80% of megacities may form in Asia (UN, 2013), and it is foreseeable that many of them may be located in developing countries. How to align the development of transport systems with land-use patterns to attain better urban design will be a critical issue for transport planners and managers. Following the notion of TD, one example can be “transit villages”. Such a deployment scheme utilizes public transit systems to relieve over- concentrated population and activity patterns, and within each village, short-distance transit services can be provided to cover the last or first-mile traveling. During their urbanization and modernization transitions, developing cities may undergo drastic remodeling, which may be the best time to begin planning with eco-mobility goals in mind.