New Analysis: Driverless Taxis and Cheaper Car Travel Will Have an Impact on Public Transportation in Copenhagen
The metropolitan area is growing, and more people mean more trips. Projections show that by 2070, the metropolitan area may need to handle up to one million additional daily trips. These projections are part of a new report from Metroselskabet, “Megatrends—Public Transportation of the Future,” which, based on data and input from a number of recognized experts, identifies 15 trends that could affect mobility in Copenhagen leading up to 2070.
In addition to a significant increase in the number of trips, another clear trend is that car travel is becoming increasingly cheaper relative to public transit, which will increase the number of car trips and create further congestion on the roads. As early as 2035, the extra time lost by residents in traffic is thus expected to cost an additional 1.1 billion DKK per year compared to today.
Self-driving cars and taxis are expected to be rolled out over the coming decades. They will both complement and compete with public transportation, depending on how they are introduced.
There is no doubt that new technologies will become part of our transportation habits in the future—but how? As a player in public transportation, we must take an active stance on this. And so must everyone else who works with mobility and urban development and who wants what’s best for our capital city. This report is intended to serve as a starting point for a broader dialogue on how we can best create a cohesive mobility system that works for as many people as possible.
A Common Basis for Decision-Making
The report *Megatrends—The Future of Public Transportation* identifies trends in demographics, the labor market, leisure activities, technology, and new modes of transportation. These are all areas that have the potential to influence our transportation patterns and thus place new demands on the future of public transportation and urban planning.
The analysis aims to establish a common foundation for understanding the trends that may shape the mobility of the future, thereby informing the decisions made in future planning.
“Driverless taxis and more affordable private car use are expected to become competitive alternatives to public transportation. Trains, subways, and light rail—which do not have to share road space with cars—will continue to play a central role when transporting large numbers of people efficiently; therefore, it is important that we begin now to consider the various future scenarios and discuss together how society’s investments in infrastructure can create the greatest possible value,” says Hanne Tærsbøl Schmidt.
Read the full report “Megatrends – The Future of Public Transportation” here: Megatrends – The Future of Public Transportation