This Week in Urban Mobility
Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.
1. Amsterdam Sets Clear Timeline for Petrol Moped Exit
From January 1, 2025, no new petrol mopeds or scooters can be sold or registered in the Gemeente Amsterdam . This is the first phase of the city’s ambitious zero-emission plan, targeting improved air quality. For older petrol mopeds, there are transitional arrangements: vehicles registered between 2011 and 2024 will be allowed in the zone until January 1, 2028. Those registered between 2018 and 2024 can stay on the roads until January 1, 2030, after which only zero-emission mopeds will be permitted in the city’s built-up areas.
While not recent news, this law was years in the making. The first phase kicks off in just 3 months, signaling a clear shift in Amsterdam’s mobility future. While this might seem drastic to outsiders, know that the whole Netherlands already has electrified over 75% of the moped market—a clear frontrunner in Europe—so this Amsterdam ban is just the last push to a 100% emission-free moped fleet
2. SEAT Ditches Micromobility to Focus Solely on Electric Cars
SEAT S.A. has announced its decision to abandon its urban mobility ventures, such as its SEAT Mó electric scooter business, to focus entirely on electric vehicle production. This strategic shift is part of the broader 大众 strategy, with SEAT redirecting its resources away from urban micromobility solutions and toward larger EV production. The move marks a significant change in direction for the brand, which had previously been active in the shared mobility space with electric scooters and urban transport solutions.
SEAT’s choice to prioritize electric vehicles over urban micromobility solutions reflects a narrow focus on electrifying cars. However, the real change in urban landscapes will come from a multimodal approach that includes lightweight, shared vehicles, not just more cars.
3. From 50,000 to 2: A Fare Revolution in ?le-de-France by 2025
领英推荐
Starting January 2, 2025, Région ?le-de-France will simplify its complex public transport fare system, reducing over 50,000 fare combinations to just two options. The new fare structure will offer a €2.50 ticket for unlimited travel on metro, RER, and trains, and a €2.00 ticket for bus and tram rides. This move aims to make public transport easier to use, especially for occasional users, and is part of a broader strategy to encourage greater use of public transport in suburban areas. The overhaul seeks to reduce the reliance on private cars, with a target to cut car usage by 15% by 2030.
50,000 fare combinations? No wonder public transport isn’t seen as a valid alternative to cars yet. It brings back memories of trying to decipher fare zones in German public transport. Simplifying fares is a key step if we’re serious about making public transport a more viable option.
4. Curbing Car Bloat: NHTSA Proposes First Pedestrian Safety Regulation
In a groundbreaking move, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA has proposed a rule to force automakers to limit the danger their vehicles pose to pedestrians. The new regulation targets the growing size of SUVs and trucks, particularly the risk their oversized hoods present in head injuries during collisions. If enacted, this would mark the first U.S. law aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities caused by vehicle design. The rule comes in response to the rising pedestrian death toll, which hit a 40-year high in 2021, and challenges automakers' reliance on technology like pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) as the sole solution.
I've covered the issue of car-obesity extensively, and NHTSA’s rule is a necessary shift. The size and design of SUVs and trucks must be regulated, as they pose serious risks to pedestrians and cyclists. This proposal could be the start of a much-needed overhaul in vehicle design.
5. Building a Faster Rail Network Across Europe: What's Holding Us Back?
Europe's rail network has immense potential to become a faster, more sustainable alternative to air travel, but there are significant obstacles. According to Greenpeace , Europe could triple its direct train connections between major cities using existing tracks, yet fragmentation and lack of coordination between countries hold back progress. Experts argue that modernizing rail infrastructure, integrating ticketing systems, and fostering better cross-border cooperation are essential for a faster and more accessible rail network across Europe. The environmental benefits are clear, but political will and investment remain critical barriers.
The fact that we could triple direct train connections just by using current infrastructure shows how much progress is possible—if only the political will was stronger. The solutions are right in front of us, but fragmented coordination and a lack of urgency are holding Europe’s rail system back.
Interested in the future of urban mobility? Let's connect! Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter for a mix of news, analysis, and conversations on how we can build smarter, more livable cities across Europe.