What are the benefits of smart mobility?

The benefits of smart mobility are proven and are much more than we can imagine. When applied, they not only visibly raise the cities’ standards, making them more attractive but also improve people’s quality of life in many aspects, some of them unsuspected. 

There are already many smart cities in the world, which serve as an example for any country seeking to offer its inhabitants new alternatives, in line with the new technologies available. Because of the progressive increase in the world’s population, some of these innovations are a necessity, while others simply seek to provide greater comfort. 

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that transportation systems are a highly complex topic of debate for any modern society. Here, the benefits of smart mobility are presented as a solution rather than a luxury, so it is worth evaluating the possibilities of its implementation. 

Likewise, smart mobility does not always equate to new technologies and innovations. It is important to keep in focus the purpose of advances in transportation and to implement dynamics that bring great advantages. 

In the following, we will review the definition of smart mobility, the different methods of applying technologies in the transportation system, and the benefits of smart mobility today.

What is smart mobility?

Before discussing the benefits of smart mobility, it is important to be clear about its definition. Smart mobility refers to any form of transportation that seeks to reduce the number of private vehicles that run on combustion.

The purpose of implementing a smart transportation system is to make the transition from the current model, in which each person has a car and uses it regardless of the distance they have to travel, to a new model that aims at time and energy efficiency and considers the general welfare.

Any method, plan or tool adopted in the people’s transportation system that aims at sustainability is considered intelligent. In this sense, sustainability is understood as that which can be maintained over time without depleting or damaging natural and human resources. 

Some examples of smart mobility can be:

• The transition towards the use of electric or hybrid vehicles is less polluting than fossil fuels.
• The integration and efficiency of the public transportation system to reduce the number of private vehicles.
• The use of bicycles or walking.
• Traffic information and road safety systems for drivers.
• Control of street and parking capacity.

Any of these alternatives will bring several benefits of smart mobility, but their implementation requires technological progress and an investment in infrastructure that allows access for all users.

In the case of electric or hybrid vehicles, electric charging stations are needed in cities, on roads, and highways. To encourage the use of bicycles and mobility on foot, it is necessary to invest in bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and green spaces. To improve public transport systems and electronic information systems, investment is needed to optimize them.

In this light, in order for more and more cities around the world to enjoy the benefits of smart mobility, a strong commitment from both governments and the private sector is needed. Fortunately, social and environmental awareness is growing, which gives us an indication that we are moving in the right direction.

Benefits of smart mobility

As we have already said, the benefits of smart mobility are many. Some of them are obvious at first glance, but many others only became apparent once several model cities around the world put them into practice, adding even more value to these alternatives.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of the transition to a new model for people’s transportation:

• Less environmental pollution: by reducing the number of vehicles on the streets or betting on the switch to vehicles that use electric energy, the emission of polluting gasses is reduced, which contributes to the care of the environment.
• Less noise pollution: both the reduction of traffic and the use of electric vehicles and bicycles contribute to quieter urban spaces, with less noise from motors, horns, brakes, etc. In this way, streets can become quieter spaces, which benefits neighbors and pedestrians for a better quality of life. 
• Increased tourism: one of the unsuspected benefits of smart mobility is increased tourism. Many model cities,  and innovative transportation solutions, become more attractive poles for tourism. 
• Reduction of travel times: cities that manage to make their transportation systems more efficient offer their citizens the possibility of making better use of their time. Currently, in some parts of the world, people spend more than one full day a year stuck in traffic congestion. Solving this transportation problem improves people’s quality of life. 
• Improved road safety: Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death globally. It is urgent to address this issue comprehensively, and a great alternative is to implement smart mobility measures. 
• Economic savings: owning a private vehicle has a very high cost, since, in addition to the purchase of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance, and parking costs must be taken into account. In this sense, a great benefit of smart mobility is economic.

However, taking into account the advantages of this new transportation model, we can ask ourselves if progress is being made in this area and where it can be seen.

Aleatica and smart mobility

At Aleatica, our commitment to smart, safe and sustainable mobility is a constant in all the projects we undertake. We have abundant examples of innovation that put us at the forefront of technological advances that drive growth in the communities where we operate.

From our free-flow toll systems that speed up travel times and reduce pollution to our Accident Reduction Program that seeks to reduce the number of road accidents, to the unique and innovative Arena of the Future, we seek to be allies of our users, communities and the planet.

The Aleatica Foundation for Road Safety was created with the intention of placing the integrity of people at the center of our company’s decision-making. The main benefit of smart mobility is to always put safety first. That is why we are in a constant process of learning and innovating our operations. 

At Aleatica we reinforce the measures that allow us to adapt to the changing needs of mobility and the constant worldwide advances in road infrastructure. Thanks to this, we are witnessing the immense benefits of smart mobility, which reinforces our commitment day after day.