ABSTRACT

This introduction chapter presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This chapter provides three propositions towards sustainable mobility: The first proposition is that resolving transport and mobility problems related to increasing congestion, travel cost, safety and climate change will be significant drivers of transport policy and the conflicts between them will produce more radical solutions than has hitherto been contemplated. The second proposition is that technology will play an increasing role in managing transport systems and shaping travel demand. The third proposition is that mobility management will supersede accessibility as the principal activity of transport planning. Mobility provides one of the few mechanisms whereby people can leverage power over their life chances, economic and social wellbeing. Politically this translates into a powerful voice for lobbies supporting mobility, especially by car and train, on issues ranging from taxes on fuel, rail fares, fixing pot holes in the road to strategic road and rail investments.