Metros reduce car use in European cities but trams do not

TL;DR

This study shows that European cities with metro systems have significantly lower car usage compared to cities with only trams or no rail systems, highlighting the impact of metro infrastructure on reducing car dependence.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of modal share in European cities, emphasizing the distinct effects of metro versus tram systems on car usage.

Findings

Cities with metro systems have lower car journey shares.

Trams do not significantly reduce car use compared to no rail systems.

The dataset covers diverse European urban mobility patterns.

Abstract

Despite the evident drawbacks, car ownership and usage continue to rise globally, leading to increased pollution and urban sprawl. As alternatives, Active Mobility and Public Transport are promoted for their health, economic, and environmental benefits. However, the efficiency of Public Transport varies widely. Metro systems, in particular, offer a high-capacity, long-distance solution, but they are expensive and only found in a limited number of cities. Trams, on the other hand, may serve as a substitute. This study compares the modal share in European cities, analysing the differences between those that have a metro, a tram, or neither. The analysis draws on a comprehensive dataset from CitiesMoving.com, which compiles and harmonises mobility surveys from around the world according to the ABC framework (A for Active mobility, B for Bus and other forms of Public Transport, and C for Cars). Findings reveal that cities with a metro have a significantly lower share of car journeys than those with only a tram or no rail system.