The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the 2024 edition of its flagship report, Regions and Cities at a Glance, which provides a comprehensive analysis of economic and social outcomes across its member countries. This edition places a strong emphasis on the importance of localised, place-based data to inform policy development, with insights drawn from innovative data sources on topics such as climate change, skill shortages, and access to opportunities.
Several sections of the report explore aspects related to urban mobility. These are outlined below.
Towards sustainable transport in regions and cities
The report highlights the transport sector’s crucial role in the transition to net-zero emissions, noting that it accounts for 23 % of greenhouse gas emissions across OECD countries, with road transport responsible for 88 % of this total. To address this, the report emphasises the importance of tailoring transport policies and strategies to the specific needs of different areas—urban and rural—rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
In urban centres, there is a growing shift towards low-carbon travel options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. However, the majority of workers in OECD countries still rely on cars for commuting. Across 858 functional urban areas (FUAs) studied, 73 % of workers commute by car, while only 20 % use low-carbon alternatives. Capital cities have led the way in adopting sustainable modes, with 38 % of workers commuting via public transport, walking, or cycling, compared to just 20 % in other urban areas.
Quality public transport in cities
The OECD emphasises the importance of accessibility and quality in public transport to promote its use. Enhancing these factors can make cities more inclusive and resilient while also helping to reduce air pollution. Findings show that while 7 out of 10 persons living in FUAs can reach public transport within a short walk, car dependency remains the norm in many OECD FUAs, particularly in commuting areas.
Walkable cities with access to services and amenities for all
The report underscores the importance of walkable urban centres, which not only reduce car dependency but also improve access to essential services and amenities. In urban centres, 76 % of residents can walk to a primary school or childcare facility within 15 minutes, compared to just 36 % in suburban areas. Access to pharmacies and green spaces is also uneven: 36 % of people aged 65 and older cannot walk to a pharmacy in urban areas, and 1 in 4 residents lack access to green spaces within 400 metres of their homes.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by suburban areas, where car-oriented developments limit accessibility for less mobile populations such as the elderly, young children, and those without private vehicles. Urban policies aimed at improving public transport and enhancing walkability are presented as solutions to address these disparities.
The full report, along with detailed country profiles featuring key regional and urban data for each OECD member country, is available here.
Author: Dearbhla Mullin
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
Sources
Details
- Publication date
- 15 January 2025
- Topic
- Policy and research
- Urban mobility planning
- Country
- Europe-wide