Deloitte launches second phase of their City Mobility Index

Published: 13 June 2018

Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and Hong Kong are rapidly improving their city mobility systems, positioning themselves to be among the ranks of the world’s mobility leaders in the years to come. This is according to the second phase of the Deloitte City Mobility Index - 2018. The Index goes beyond present-day transportation issues and looks to the future by offering a comprehensive review of key aspects of mobility in cities around the world. Following the first phase of the 2018 Index, this phase evaluates 29 additional cities, rating how well they use technological developments and disruptive elements to provide new solutions to age-old problems.

The Index sets out to create a new and better way for city officials, transport operators and public planners to gauge the readiness of their transport networks to embrace the rapid changes occurring in the transportation ecosystem, known as Future of Mobility. Cities that move their citizens efficiently, inclusively, sustainably and in an integrated way will be the most successful in terms of productivity, livability and flexibility.

“The release of the second phase of Deloitte’s City Mobility Index - 2018 continues to set the stage for increased learning around the future of mobility and how cities around the world are leveraging new technologies to advance the global transport system,” said Simon Dixon, Deloitte’s Global Transportation leader. “With the rapid speed of change and issues including high congestion, poor air quality, expanding the metro network to cover suburbs and adjacent cities, and widespread adoption of emerging technologies, the Index provides a key framework for cities to learn from each other and power the transport systems of tomorrow.”

China’s major cities in the context of global mobility

The revised 2018 Index now includes analysis of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Beijing, noting their strengths and challenges. As a whole, cities in China are at different stages of improving city mobility, each with its own unique set of challenges and investments hindering and/or driving growth.

Tokyo, Seoul, London and Singapore all received high marks in the Index given their innovative solutions and ability to create a more efficient, multi-modal transport system. While there are lessons to be learned from these cities, cities in China, such as Shenzhen are also leading the way. With its consistent focus and investments in the electrification of transport modes, Shenzhen has marked its presence on the global map by switching on the world’s largest electric bus fleet. The city also has very strong car and bike sharing systems, which helps make the transportation system sustainable and provides first- and last-mile solutions. The transport authority of Shenzhen is currently focusing on tackling the high congestion levels in the city by using technologies and effective parking management. If Shenzhen is able to keep its transit system growing at the same pace as its economy, it can potentially become the leading global city for public transportation.

 Additional key findings include:

• While Hong Kong has one of the most reliable, efficient, and accessible transport networks of the examined cities in China, it has been lagging in its testing and adoption of new technologies. Without the advent of ridesharing and autonomous vehicle testing as well as an environment that fosters innovation, the city will risk its position as a global model for public transport.
• Recognized worldwide for its metro system, Shanghai continues to lead the way as it continually invests in building a more innovative transport system. The city has substantial expansion plans in place for its transportation infrastructure and is doubling down on sustainability through its robust underground pedestrian network.
• Despite facing some immediate, pervasive challenges including pollution, congestion, and the need for operational improvements in public transport, Beijing is recognized for its ongoing measures to be a vibrant, livable city. Its forward-looking approach and its focus on embracing new technologies including electric vehicles and shared-mobility models encourage continued positive results for years to come.
• Congestion levels continue to remain a significant stop gap across China. In order for the cities to keep up with other major markets across the globe, efforts to reduce congestion and air pollution will need to rise to the top of the strategic agenda.
• On service and inclusion, transportation in China’s cities are ranked as being accessible and versatile, with plans for infrastructure improvements already underway in Hong Kong and Shenzhen specifically.

“Chinese cities are clearly recognizing the potential to lead on the future of mobility and are testing innovative solutions to keep pace with the unmatched rate of disruption,” added Clare Ma, Government & Public Sector leader, Deloitte China. “With forward-looking initiatives and commitments from both the public and private sector to address key pain points for Chinese mobility, the region is poised to become a model for future transport systems for years to come.”

About the Deloitte City Mobility Index

The Deloitte City Mobility Index is a comprehensive review that assesses major cities on key aspects of mobility and readiness for future mobility solutions (the Future of Mobility). It covers three thematic areas – performance and resilience, vision and leadership, service and inclusion – to gauge whether the transport networks move citizens efficiently, inclusively, sustainably, and in an integrated way, and how forward-thinking and effective the various government bodies are in delivering quality mobility.

Drawing on publicly available data, client conversations, and Deloitte Global’s own analysis, it covers over 60 individual parameters. More than 50 cities from across the globe have now been assessed with 47 currently published, representing a variety of sizes by population and area, geography and levels of economic development. Results will be updated annually hereafter.