Promoting Energy Efficiency in Urban Transportation: Technical, Infrastructure, and User Analysis

By Clara Simões Coelho, Anna-Lee Clarte, Chloé Toupet, Charles Wilson-Jackson, Victoria Thomaides, Laura Lungenstrass Bustamante

Abstract

This report examines how cities can improve energy efficiency in the transport sector through the implementation of effective and transferable policy measures. As urban areas account for a growing share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, improving transport efficiency has become a critical priority for both climate mitigation and energy security. The analysis is based on a review of scientific and policy literature combined with a case-study approach covering cities across diverse geographic and economic contexts. The report structures its findings around three key pillars: technological advancements, infrastructure development, and user-focused policies. The findings highlight that no single policy is sufficient to achieve significant efficiency gains. Instead, successful strategies rely on integrated approaches that combine clean technologies, well-designed infrastructure, and behavioural change. Cities that implement coordinated measures across these areas achieve more substantial and sustained impacts. By identifying concrete best practices and analysing their outcomes, this report provides actionable insights for policymakers and contributes to the development of scalable solutions for more energy-efficient and resilient urban transport systems.