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. How (European) Cities Are Taxing Shared Micromobility

Taxing Shared Micromobility: How Cities Are Responding To Emerging Modes, and What's Next

A comprehensive report by Portland State University explores how cities, including many in Europe, are taxing shared micromobility services like e-scooters and bikes. The study reveals significant variation in tax and fee structures across European cities. While some cities impose minimal fees to promote sustainable transport, others levy high charges, sometimes exceeding those for other transport modes. The report emphasizes the need for cities to balance financial sustainability with the broader goals of reducing congestion and promoting equity. Key European examples include Paris and Copenhagen, which showcase different approaches to integrating these new transportation modes into urban environments.

The study underscores that shared micromobility services are often unfairly taxed compared to other modes of transport. This discrepancy not only hinders the growth of sustainable urban mobility solutions but also contradicts the cities' environmental and congestion-reducing goals.

2. EQT and Kühne Holding to Acquire 35% Stake in Flix

EQT and Kühne Holding to acquire 35% stake in German travel tech firm Flix, reportedly for around €1B

EQT Group and Kühne Holding B.V. are set to acquire a 35% minority stake in the German travel tech company Flix , valued at around €1 billion. This investment values Flix at over €3 billion and aims to support its strategic expansion, including its growth in the North American bus market and the scaling of FlixTrain GmbH in Germany. Flix has recently expanded into Chile and India and is increasing its presence in the UK, Portugal, and Ukraine. The transaction is pending regulatory approvals.

This investment underscores the significant potential of Flix in the global travel market. With EQT and Kühne Holding's backing, Flix is well-positioned for further expansion and could be paving the way for a future IPO, highlighting the growing investor confidence in sustainable travel solutions.

3. European Sleeper Expands Network to the Alps and Venice

European Sleeper breidt netwerk uit naar Alpen en Veneti?

European Sleeper is set to launch a new overnight train service connecting Brussels to the Austrian Alps and Venice. Starting in February 2025, the service will run until Easter, offering a convenient and eco-friendly travel option for skiers and tourists. The train will depart from Brussels on Wednesdays, travel through Belgium, and reach Innsbruck in around 15 hours, continuing to Venice with a total journey time of approximately 20 hours. This expansion aims to attract travelers looking for sustainable alternatives to air travel, with ticket prices expected to be competitive against peak season airfares.

European Sleeper's expansion into the Alps and Venice is a significant step towards promoting sustainable travel. However, the challenge will be to make this option as attractive as flying, considering the current small percentage of skiers opting for train travel.

4. Paris Prepares for the Future with Electric Flying Taxis for 2024 Olympics

Flying taxi service cleared for take-off at Paris Olympics

Paris is set to introduce a fleet of electric flying taxis during the 2024 Olympics, showcasing a major leap in urban mobility. German company Volocopter, spearheading this initiative, has successfully tested their VoloCity air taxi and aims to begin operations with piloted flights, eventually moving to fully automated services. Despite local political resistance, French President Emmanuel Macron has been invited to take the inaugural flight, highlighting the government's support for this innovation. The flying taxis will offer scenic routes over Paris, though initial rides are expected to be short and expensive due to battery limitations and regulatory hurdles

A great PR stunt, that's it! While the idea of flying taxis during the Paris Olympics sounds exciting, it's largely a showcase to attract attention and investors rather than a practical transportation solution for the masses just yet.

5. Confronting 'Mobesity': The Overlooked Hurdle in Electrifying Transport

Expert Comment: Confronting ‘mobesity’ is vital for the global electrification of transport

An opinion piece by Professor Christian Brand at 英国牛津大学 highlights the environmental challenges posed by the trend towards larger electric vehicles (EVs). Termed 'mobesity', this shift towards heavier e-SUVs undermines the benefits of electrification by increasing resource consumption and emissions. Brand calls for policy interventions, technological innovations, and changes in consumer behavior to promote smaller, energy-efficient EVs and sustainable urban transport solutions.

While electrification is essential, we must prioritize smaller, resource-efficient vehicles to truly reap environmental benefits and align with global climate targets.

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