photo: ÖBB Scheiblecker /Austrian Mobility Shift: TU Wien Study Forecasts a Future Dominated by Rail and Active Transport
A glimpse into the future of mobility in Austria has been provided by a team of researchers at the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien). The team, led by Prof. Günter Emberger, undertook this project on behalf of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). They explored a multitude of scenarios, some with roots in the past, like walking, and others that seem more science fiction, like Hyperloop or drone transport.
Emberger believes that the approach to mobility is in for a significant shift in the coming years. "Either because we are trying with all our might to limit global warming below +2 °C and are taking correspondingly drastic measures, or because the external framework conditions no longer allow us to maintain the status quo," he said. To meet climate targets, Austria's mobility sector must cut its greenhouse gas emissions by around 30% by 2030 and aim to become climate-neutral by 2040.
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Looking at the long-term view of sustainable mobility, the team developed a list of criteria to evaluate future transport modes. This included energy requirements, direct and indirect land consumption, construction and maintenance costs, technology risk, and accessibility. Surprisingly, the traditional forms of transport came out on top, with walking, cycling, local public transport, and conventional rail showing great potential.
The team envisions a future where the mobility system is primarily a combination of rail-based transport for medium and long distances and active mobility (walking and cycling) for short distances. Emberger emphasizes that it's the responsibility of politicians to work with the public in shaping a future of mobility that aligns with these efficient and sustainable scenarios.
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Source: ÖBB
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