Mode share is the percentage of people moving through the city by one type of transportation (e.g. walking) relative to the total number of person-trips made by all types (i.e. walking, cycling, using transit, carpooling or driving). Mode share is an important metric which helps inform about the pressures on the mobility system and how cities should invest in mobility infrastructure. The Mobility Master Plan will include a mode share target for London for 2050.

A higher walking, cycling and transit mode share is beneficial for many reasons including that it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage road congestion, improve physical and mental health and improve equity. More information on mode share can be found in this Civic Works Committee Report. Currently, 23% of daily trips in London are made by walking, cycling or using transit. The remainder of trips are by personal vehicle (either as a driver or passenger).

Three 2050 targets for walking, cycling and transit were developed for consideration (25%, 30% and 35%).  Council voted to eliminate option 1 (25% walk, cycle, transit) from further consideration, in support of a more ambitious modal shift to walking, cycling and transit. 

London’s current mode share and 2050 target options 2 and 3 are illustrated below:

Your input below on option 2 and 3 will help inform the selection of a mode share target for London. 

In 2050, imagine a London where...

Density

In 2050, there are more multi-unit residential buildings (typically taller) and mixed-use areas that combine residential and commercial uses along transit corridors, in transit villages and in new developments, bringing more of people’s daily needs closer to home.  With option 3 some existing neighbourhoods would become more dense and mixed-use.

Today: 

Approximately 16% of London’s population lives within higher-density, mixed-use communities. 

2050 Option 2:

An estimated 30% of London’s population would live within higher-density communities.

2050 Option 3:

An estimated 40% of London’s population would live within higher-density communities.

Walking and cycling

In 2050, walking and cycling are more viable options as everyday needs are closer to home thanks to the higher density and mixed-use development. With the use of electric bikes, scooters and other micromobility options people are travelling further distances on two wheels than ever before.  People are also choosing to walk and cycle because they have access to a city-wide grid of sidewalks and protected bike lanes which are maintained and accessible year-round.  

Today: 

On average, Londoner’s currently take about 24 trips a week and choose to walk or cycle for approximately 4 of those.

2050 Option 2:

On average, if Londoners were still taking about 24 trips a week, they would need to choose to walk or cycle for approximately 5 of those.

2050 Option 3:

On average, if Londoners were to still take about 24 trips a week, they would need to choose to walk or cycle for approximately 6 of those.

Transit

In 2050, there are various rapid transit routes (with dedicated transit lanes) which are complemented by a city-wide grid of frequent and reliable transit service. Many Londoners may choose not to drive or not to own a second vehicle because transit gets them where they need to go when they need to be there. Many who walk or cycle in the summer may choose to take transit in the winter months.

Today: 

On average, Londoner’s currently take about 24 trips a week and choose to take transit for approximately 4 of those.

2050 Option 2:

On average, if Londoners were still taking about 24 trips a week, they would need to choose to transit for approximately 5 of those.

The transit system will need to accommodate twice as many trips compared with today.

2050 Option 3:

On average, if Londoners were still taking about 24 trips a week, they would need to choose to transit for approximately 6 of those.

The transit system will need to accommodate more than twice as many trips compared with today.

Driving: 

People will be choosing to walk, cycle and take transit for more trips but the majority of trips will still be by driving or carpooling.  Key pinch points on the road network will have been improved to help manage congestion.

Today: 

On average, Londoners currently take about 24 trips a week and chooses to use a personal vehicle (as a driver or passenger) for approximately 18 of those.

2050 Option 2:

On average, Londoners would choose to use a personal vehicle (as a driver or passenger) for approximately 2 less trips a week.

Due to population growth, there will be approximately 25% more personal vehicles on the road leading to increased traffic congestion.

2050 Option 3:

On average, Londoners would choose to use a personal vehicle (as a driver or passenger) for approximately 3 less trips a week. 

Due to population growth, there will be approximately 15% more personal vehicles on the road leading to increased traffic congestion, but less than option 2.