ABSTRACT
Economic and income growth is radically changing the way in which cities function. These effects are particularly evident in megacities—very large cities with populations over 10 million and a global economic footprint. The worldwide pandemic triggered by the spread of COVID-19 accelerated trends toward more flexible work, greater importance of goods movement in real time, and demand for alternative modes for transportation. As megacities emerge from the pandemic, they will be faced with significant challenges and obstacles to ensuring their transportation networks operate efficiently, productively, and effectively. Growth trends and patterns emerging from the pandemic require more flexible and nimble transportation systems which meet the needs of diverse, dynamic, and service-based economies. This chapter examines how these larger “macro” trends are repositioning megacities and what this means for integrated transportation systems and networks. It explores the importance of mobility in supporting sustained urban growth and regional development. Examples from the United States and China’s diverse and growing megacities are used to highlight common issues, challenges, and concerns for these urban agglomerations regardless of their geography or growth trajectory. The next wave of transportation policy and planning requires recognizing the benefits of urban mobility; re-examining transportation decision-making processes and goals; taking travel demand management seriously; thinking differently about an integrated multimodal capacity expansion; managing capacity through integrated market-based, traveler-centric, and technology-focused approaches; and adopting dynamic and sustainable transportation asset management strategies.
