Pitch
MONITORING MOBILITY Introducing "personal mobility cards" to use in public transport as well as when driving (digital tachographs + GPS)
Description
Summary
Citizens are generally not aware of their mobility patterns, and consequently are not aware of their effects nor of the alternatives that exist. By implementing a mobility card (or mobile phone app), data regarding travelled length, selected transport modes, monetary cost, GHG emissions, etc. could be monitorized and analized; making it feasible to show people what they are doing, and giving them and opportunity to see how their costs (monetary and environmental) could be reduced, and to what extent.
Category of the action
Building efficiency: Physical Action
What actions do you propose?
In a first phase, the implementation could be just informative. Secondly, political and taxing measures could be implemented. For example; if digital tachographs were installed in every single vehicle; each time a car exceeded the speed limit, it would be registered, making it feasible to fine the driver for it (the fine, of course would be a percentage of the drivers income; to promote social equality). This would not be a "punishment-based" action. The idea is that limiting speed limits GHG emissions, increases road safety, and can in some cases promote modal shift towards public transport (in long distance trips). On the other hand, if the "mobility card" would show sustainable mobility patterns (high percentage of walking, cycling and using public transport), the citizen could be awarded tax deductions.
Who will take these actions?
Politicians could act, if they believe in the idea. The idea of the digital tachograph charging for excessive speed would immediately generate income (rememeber, the "fine" has to be a % of the drivers income, or the company´s income), and in the medium length it would surely promote driving safely on any road, and therefore reducing GHG emmissions.
In a first phase, it would be enough to control if the vehicle exceed the country´s maximum speed. If complemented with GPS and adequate software, it could speed could also be controlled in any street or road (with different speed limits).
Where will these actions be taken?
The most basic solution can be implemented in every country of the world, if there are obligatory annual vehicle controls.The advanced solutions (mobility cards) could be implemented in cities working towards becoming "Smart cities".
How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?
It depends on the level of the actions taken.
What are other key benefits?
More walking, more cycling, more public transport using.
If only acting on cars, road safety increase and GHG emissions reduction.
What are the proposal’s costs?
Digital tachographs are inexpensive compared to the car´s cost. Integrating mobility cards in smart cities or at national levels would be costful regarding the project, but once implemented the social revenues could be huge.
Time line
Digital tachograph 10 years
Mobility card 15 years
By:
