Urban mobility is a critical issue facing cities on the East Coast of the United States. With growing populations, aging infrastructure, and increasing traffic congestion, many cities are struggling to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation options for their residents.
Challenges of Urban Mobility on the East Coast
The East Coast is home to some of the largest and most densely populated cities in the United States, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. These cities face a range of challenges when it comes to urban mobility, including:
Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a major problem in many East Coast cities, with commuters spending countless hours stuck in traffic each year. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute's 2019 Urban Mobility Report, the average commuter in the New York City metropolitan area spends 92 hours per year in traffic, while commuters in Boston and Washington, D.C. spend an average of 80 and 82 hours per year, respectively.
This traffic congestion not only wastes time and fuel but also contributes to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced quality of life for residents. It also has significant economic costs, with the same report estimating that traffic congestion cost the New York City metropolitan area $11.7 billion in lost productivity and wasted fuel in 2017 alone.
Aging Infrastructure
Many East Coast cities have aging transportation infrastructure that needs repair and modernization. The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gave the nation's transit infrastructure a grade of D-, noting that much of the nation's transit infrastructure is aging and in need of repair or replacement.
In New York City, for example, the subway system is over 100 years old and has been plagued by frequent delays, breakdowns, and overcrowding in recent years. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) estimates that it will need $51.5 billion over the next five years to modernize and upgrade the subway system and other transit infrastructure in the region.
Equity and Accessibility
Urban mobility is also an equity issue, with many low-income and minority communities facing disproportionate barriers to access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options. These communities often have longer commute times, higher transportation costs, and fewer options for getting around, which can limit their access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services.
According to a report by the Brookings Institution, low-income households in the New York City metropolitan area spend an average of 56% of their income on housing and transportation costs, compared to just 39% for high-income households. This leaves less money for other essential expenses such as food, healthcare, and education.
Environmental Sustainability
Transportation is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in East Coast cities. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounts for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with passenger cars and light-duty trucks accounting for the majority of these emissions.
In addition to contributing to climate change, transportation-related air pollution can also have serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. A study by the American Lung Association found that the New York City metropolitan area had the 10th worst ozone pollution in the country in 2021, while the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas ranked 21st and 22nd, respectively.
Modes of Urban Mobility on the East Coast
Despite these challenges, East Coast cities have a range of transportation options available to help residents get around. These include:
Public Transit
Public transit is a critical component of urban mobility on the East Coast, with many cities offering extensive networks of buses, subways, and light rail.
Some of the largest and most well-known public transit systems in the region include:
- The New York City Subway: The largest subway system in the world, with 472 stations and over 850 miles of track.
- The Washington Metro: The second-busiest rapid transit system in the United States, serving Washington, D.C., and the surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia.
- The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority): The fourth-largest transit system in the United States, serving the Greater Boston area with a network of buses, subways, commuter rail, and ferries.
- SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority): The sixth-largest transit system in the United States, serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area with a network of buses, trolleys, subways, and commuter rail.
Public transit can be an efficient and cost-effective way to get around East Coast cities, particularly for commuters and those who live in dense urban areas. However, many public transit systems in the region are aging and in need of modernization, and can be subject to delays, overcrowding, and other issues.
Bicycling
Bicycling is another popular mode of urban mobility on the East Coast, with many cities investing in bike infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and off-street trails.
Some of the most bike-friendly cities in the region include:
- New York City: With over 1,200 miles of bike lanes and a popular bike-sharing program (Citi Bike), New York City has made significant strides in improving bike infrastructure in recent years.
- Washington, D.C.: The nation's capital has over 150 miles of bike lanes and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program (Capital Bikeshare) with over 5,000 bikes.
- Boston: With over 200 miles of bike lanes and off-street paths, Boston has a growing network of bike infrastructure and a popular bike-sharing program (Bluebikes).
- Philadelphia: The city has over 400 miles of bike lanes and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program (Indego) with over 1,400 bikes.
Bicycling can be a healthy, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to get around East Coast cities, particularly for short trips and last-mile connections to public transit. However, many cities still have gaps in their bike infrastructure, and safety concerns can be a barrier to widespread adoption.
Walking
Walking is another important mode of urban mobility on the East Coast, particularly in dense urban areas with a high concentration of destinations within walking distance. Many East Coast cities have invested in pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian plazas to make walking safer and more convenient.
Some of the most walkable cities in the region include:
- New York City: With a Walk Score of 88 (out of 100), New York City is one of the most walkable cities in the country, thanks to its dense urban fabric, mixed-use development, and extensive pedestrian infrastructure.
- Boston: With a Walk Score of 82, Boston is another highly walkable city, with a compact downtown area and a network of historic neighborhoods connected by pedestrian-friendly streets and public spaces.
- Philadelphia: With a Walk Score of 79, Philadelphia is a walkable city with a well-connected street grid and a variety of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and public spaces.
Walking can be a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to get around East Coast cities, particularly for short trips and in areas with a high density of destinations. However, many cities still have gaps in their pedestrian infrastructure, and safety concerns such as speeding traffic and inadequate crosswalks can be barriers to walking.
Ride-Sharing and Ride-Hailing
Ride-sharing and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in East Coast cities in recent years, providing a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional taxi services. These services allow users to request a ride through a smartphone app and can be particularly useful for trips that are not well-served by public transit or for those who do not own a car.
However, the growth of ride-sharing and ride-hailing services has also raised concerns about their impact on traffic congestion, public transit ridership, and labor practices. Some cities have implemented regulations on these services, such as caps on the number of vehicles or requirements for driver background checks and insurance.
Car-Sharing
Car-sharing services such as Zipcar and Car2Go have also become more common in East Coast cities, providing a convenient and affordable alternative to car ownership for those who only need a car occasionally. These services allow users to rent a car by the hour or day and can be particularly useful for errands, weekend trips, or other situations where a car is needed but ownership is not practical or affordable.
Car-sharing can help reduce the number of cars on the road and the need for parking, as well as provide access to a car for those who may not otherwise have one. However, the availability and convenience of car-sharing services can vary depending on the city and neighborhood, and some users may still prefer the flexibility and convenience of owning their car.
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are an emerging technology that could have significant impacts on urban mobility in the coming years. AVs are vehicles that are capable of sensing their environment and navigating without human input and could potentially reduce traffic congestion, accidents, and emissions while increasing mobility options for those who are unable to drive.
Several East Coast cities are already testing and piloting AV technology, including:
- Boston: The city has been testing AVs on public roads since 2016, and has partnerships with several companies to develop and deploy the technology.
- Washington, D.C.: The city has been working with companies such as Audi and Ford to test AVs on public roads and in parking garages, and has plans to launch a pilot program for AV shuttles shortly.
- Pittsburgh: The city has been a leader in AV research and development, thanks in part to the presence of Carnegie Mellon University and its robotics program. Companies such as Uber and Argo AI have been testing AVs on Pittsburgh's streets for several years.
While AVs hold promise for improving urban mobility, there are also concerns about their potential impacts on jobs, equity, and public safety. Cities will need to carefully consider how to regulate and integrate AVs into their transportation systems in a way that maximizes their benefits and minimizes their risks.
Best Practices and Innovative Solutions
To address the challenges of urban mobility on the East Coast, cities are implementing a range of best practices and innovative solutions. These include:
Complete Streets
Complete Streets are streets that are designed to safely accommodate all modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling, public transit, and driving. Many East Coast cities have adopted Complete Streets policies and are redesigning their streets to include features such as protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and transit priority lanes.
For example, the City of Boston has implemented a Complete Streets program that has resulted in over 100 miles of new or improved bike lanes, 1,500 new or improved crosswalks, and over 500 new street trees planted. The program has also included the installation of curb extensions, raised crosswalks, and other traffic-calming measures to improve pedestrian safety.
Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a land-use strategy that focuses on growth and development around public transit stations, to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that reduce reliance on cars. Many East Coast cities are pursuing TOD as a way to improve access to public transit, reduce traffic congestion, and create more sustainable and livable communities.
For example, the City of Jersey City, New Jersey has implemented a TOD plan around its PATH train stations, which includes zoning changes to allow for higher-density, mixed-use development within a half-mile radius of each station. The plan also includes investments in pedestrian and bike infrastructure, as well as affordable housing and community amenities.
Mobility as a Service
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a concept that integrates various modes of transportation (such as public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, and car-sharing) into a single, seamless platform that allows users to plan, book, and pay for trips using a single app or account. MaaS has the potential to make it easier and more convenient for people to use multiple modes of transportation, and to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Several East Coast cities are exploring MaaS as a way to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion. For example, the City of Pittsburgh has launched a MaaS pilot program called Move PGH, which includes a multi-modal trip planning app, a network of mobility hubs with bike-sharing and car-sharing options, and a fleet of electric autonomous shuttles.
Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing is a strategy that charges drivers a fee to enter certain congested areas or to use certain roads during peak travel times. The goal of congestion pricing is to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging drivers to shift to other modes of transportation or to travel during off-peak times.
Several East Coast cities are considering or have implemented congestion pricing as a way to reduce traffic and improve air quality. For example, New York City has plans to implement a congestion pricing program for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transit improvements.
Micro-mobility
Micromobility refers to small, lightweight vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes that are designed for short trips in urban areas. Micromobility has the potential to provide a convenient and affordable option for last-mile connections to public transit, as well as for short trips that may be too far to walk but too short to justify taking a car or public transit.
Many East Coast cities have launched or are considering launching micromobility programs, such as e-scooter and e-bike sharing. For example, the City of Baltimore has launched a dockless e-scooter program with several providers, including Bird, Lime, and Spin. The program includes requirements for equity and accessibility, such as low-income pricing plans and the deployment of scooters in underserved neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Urban mobility is a complex and multifaceted issue on the East Coast, with cities facing a range of challenges related to traffic congestion, aging infrastructure, equity and accessibility, and environmental sustainability. However, cities are also implementing a range of innovative solutions and best practices to improve urban mobility and create more livable, equitable, and sustainable communities.
From investing in public transit and bike infrastructure to pursuing transit-oriented development and exploring emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and micromobility, East Coast cities are demonstrating leadership and creativity in addressing the challenges of urban mobility.
Ultimately, improving urban mobility will require a collaborative and holistic approach that involves not only transportation agencies and policymakers, but also community members, businesses, and other stakeholders. By working together and leveraging the best available data, technologies, and strategies, East Coast cities can create transportation systems that are safe, efficient, and accessible for all, and that support the economic, social, and environmental health of their communities.