Investing in impact: how multimodality drives health, sustainability and inclusivity

Investing in impact: how multimodality drives health, sustainability and inclusivity

As urban populations continue to grow, so does the need for sustainable and inclusive multimodal transport systems. As an integrated and coordinated transport system, multimodal systems offer a comprehensive solution to the complex challenge that is urban mobility.??

Generally defined as ‘... the combination of different means of transport to reach a specific destination ...’, impact investors can play a role in achieving multimodality when seeking diverse investments. In a sense, creating a collective ‘multimodal portfolio’ which not only drives meaningful environmental change but also caters to the varying needs of a population.???

This article will explore multimodality and its benefits, both socially and environmentally, via three areas: private motorised transport, public transport and active mobility.?

Private motorised transport: electrification and the way forward?

The term ‘private motorised transport’ encompasses a range of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles (both hybrid and electric) and scooters; all of which clearly represents a major component of how people travel in urban environments today. While single occupancy petrol/diesel powered vehicles have been a major contributor to traffic congestion and pollution, the new iterations of these traditional vehicles present viable and sustainable alternatives that align with our current habits and behaviours.?

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent one key area of investment in private motorised transport, along with the supporting infrastructure and battery technology they require. This investment approach takes a holistic view to this mode of transport, addressing concerns about the future demand for batteries, their components and longevity. EIT Urban Mobility recently released a study on light electric vehicles (LEVs) detailing how batteries are central to Europe’s efforts to effectively decarbonise road transport. In this vein, there are many startups addressing arising issues regarding batteries.?

Battery recycling startup Circu Li-ion steps ahead of the curve in this sense, anticipating an increase in use of batteries and the metals needed for manufacture, they can diagnose issues with batteries and upcycle them to prolong life.?

We must also consider the important software components that enable our daily commutes – those systems which optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion. Real-time traffic management systems and the advent of autonomous vehicles, enhanced by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, can dramatically improve efficiency and reduce the chance of traffic jams and accidents. This creates not only more efficient and sustainable transport options but increases safety for all road users once available to all. Leo Drive is a company lowering the entry barrier for autonomous driving, seeking to unlock the potential of this technology to vehicle users, knowing that by wide adoption it leads us to a better interconnected world.?

Public transport: building inclusive and sustainable urban mobility?

Public transport is essential when considering an efficient and coherent multimodal system. Its sustainability is enhanced due to the ability to carry passengers in greater numbers and the shift to electrification. Additionally, public transport's lower cost and potential to carry a higher volume of passengers contributes to reducing the number of private vehicles on the street. Therefore, alleviating traffic congestion and improving safety.?

In addition to the positive environmental impact and safety considerations, lower cost transport offers a definite social impact as it is accessible to a wide variety of users. Investing in improvements to public transport services can help bridge socioeconomic gaps , allowing for a shared service that provides access to jobs, education and healthcare. This is particularly important in rapidly growing cities, where inadequate transport can worsen inequality.?

For impact investors, optimising public transport systems such as buses, trains, trams, subways and light rail presents clear social and environmental benefits, as well as financial returns. Startup PANTOHealth exemplifies this approach, as the team seeks to optimise the already extensive rail networks to maximise efficiency for passengers and sustainability for us all. Their technology takes a proactive approach to maintenance, streamlining problem identification and resolution to improve overall service and reduce downtime.?

Of course, when discussing public transport, collaboration between public and private entities is needed to implement. In the EU this collaboration works very well and has seen great results in rolling out effective solutions to solve both local and regional mobility challenges. An example of this collaboration in effect than EIT Urban Mobility’s Rapid Applications for Transport (RAPTOR) call . RAPTOR has created a positive impact in conducting 44 pilots in 36 cities across the EU, linking startups with cities and local authorities to solve mobility challenges.?

Active mobility: promoting health and environmental sustainability?

For most people living in busy urban areas, particularly in dense city centres, active mobility such as walking, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, becomes paramount as both a standalone form of transport and link with other modes. These self-propelled modes of transport can be rightly named the ‘cleanest’, reducing reliance on all kinds of motorised vehicles, whether private or public. This is in addition to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle – both a positive personal and social cost.?

Investment in infrastructure is the most effective way to encourage active mobility . Comprehensive and coherent cycling infrastructure, including dedicated lanes and storage, municipal bicycle-sharing schemes and pedestrianised streets, are common ways to make active mobility more attractive to existing and potential users. Proper infrastructure creates a safe environment and an increase in use, enabling a sharing of public space that allows for greater social cohesion. Investing in active transport also has significant social benefits. It enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of urban spaces, particularly for those who may not have access to private vehicles or public transportation. By creating more walkable and bike-friendly cities, impact investors can help ensure that all residents, regardless of income or ability, have access to safe and affordable transportation options.?

In addition to health, there are other social benefits to speak of which fall in line with the democratisation of active mobility. While creating the infrastructure for a low-cost transport alternative, investing in such services can ensure that all residents , regardless of socio-economic status, have access to all the city has to offer.?

Multimodal approach and holistic portfolios?

Multimodal transport systems are the cornerstone for fostering sustainable, inclusive and healthy urban mobility. By integrating different modes into one coherent system, we not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance accessibility across populations.??

For impact investors, the potential for creating meaningful change is great. Investing in a multimodal approach addresses the complex challenges of urbanisation while supporting healthier lifestyles and more equitable societies. This holistic approach to transportation is vital for shaping resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities of the future. As impact investors, we must be conscious of the variety of solutions needed to drive meaningful change.?

Seppo Narinen

???????????? μContainerized AnyCargo – AnySpot - AnyVehicle – AnyMile – even autonomous last mile

2 个月

Multimodality is also key to optimal urban urban space logistics

Andreas Koch

Sustainability as usual

2 个月

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Dr. Benedikt Krams

Gesch?ftsführer bei Match Rider. "Gemeinsam. Mobilit?t. Gestalten." | Vorstandsmitglied Mitfahrverband e.V.

2 个月

Thank you for putting the social impact of (urban) mobility into the focus. ?? Mobility is so much more than getting from a to b, it's a way to strengthen our communities in general, social infrastructure, and inclusion.

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