New transportation technologies can expand our world. During the last century, motorised modes increased our mobility by an order of magnitude, providing large benefits, but also imposing huge costs on individuals and communities. Faster and more expensive modes were favoured over those that are more affordable, efficient, and healthy. As new transportation innovations become available, from e-scooters to autonomous cars, how do we make decisions that benefit our communities?
In New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies, transportation expert Todd Litman examines 12 emerging transportation modes and services that are likely to significantly affect our lives: bike- and carsharing, micro-mobilities, ride hailing and micro-transit, public transit innovations, telework, autonomous and electric vehicles, air taxis, mobility prioritisation, and logistics management. These innovations allow people to scoot, ride, and fly like never before, but can also impose significant costs on users and communities. Planners need detailed information on their potential benefits and impacts to make informed choices. Litman critically evaluates these new technologies and services and provides practical guidance for optimising them.
He systematically examines how each New Mobility is likely to affect travel activity (how and how much people travel); consumer costs and affordability; roadway infrastructure design and costs; parking demand; land use development patterns; public safety and health; energy and pollution emissions; and economic opportunity and fairness. Public policies around New Mobilities can either help create heaven, a well-planned transportation system that uses new technologies intelligently, or hell, a poorly planned transportation system that is overwhelmed by conflicting and costly, unhealthy, and inequitable modes. His expert analysis will help planners, local policymakers, and concerned citizens to make informed choices about the New Mobility revolution.
About the Author
Todd Litman is founder and executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transport problems. He has worked as a research and planning consultant for a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, professional organizations, developers and nongovernment organizations, in more than two dozen countries.
Industry Reviews
"New Mobilities is an accessible and straightforward manual for urban designers, planners and engineers considering trans-port systems, their users and associated effects. Its dedicated policy lens contrib-utes a valuable decision-making framework for the transportation and streetscape discussion."
-- "Urban Design Journal"
"This book is a thought-provoking review of the many New Mobility technologies coming our way today and in the future. Litman provides an incredible reference for evaluating 12 emerging transportation technologies in a concise, easy to read book. It provides an excellent framework for planners, elected officials, and citizens to evaluate these New Mobilities and their impacts on communities. As a result, I consider it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of mobility."
-- "Journal of Urban Affairs"
"Todd's research on social cost-benefit analysis for transportation investments has long been essential for professionals. New Mobilities is a wonderful read for anyone wanting a framework for understanding, prioritizing, and planning for new mobility solutions, in the context of historical impacts and data."--Gabe Klein, Partner, Cityfi and author of "Start-Up City"
