A Sustainable, Integrated, Smart Mobility Future For Italy
An article by Stefano Ghidotti, Roberto Tosatti and Anna Danuso, TNP Italia, published in the white paper “The Mobility Revolution”.
Towards a New Mobility Ecosystem: Italy’s Roadmap For a Sustainable, Integrated, and Smart Future
In line with an established international trend, the transition towards more sustainable mobility has become a key pillar for the growth and development of a greener, yet also more competitive and technologically advanced Italy. In light of new environmental and economic challenges—as well as demands for change from the country’s social forces—the future of mobility in Italy calls for a comprehensive transformation involving all sectors: from public policy to technology, infrastructure to public-private cooperation. In this context, the shift to a more sustainable mobility model is not just a necessity but a powerful opportunity to improve quality of life in cities, reduce CO2 emissions, and support economic growth, both nationally and, crucially, at the local level.
The Transition to Sustainable Mobility Models: a National Priority
Italy is undertaking a path where the transition to sustainable mobility is among the top priorities for the future. European policies, through the Green Deal and the Fit for 55 packages, have firmly pushed for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, promoting both sustainability and innovation. Italy has responded with a wide array of national and local initiatives, including incentives for low-emission vehicles, the promotion of public transport and intermodality, and improvements in transport infrastructure management.
The Italian government and local policy makers (e.g., regions) have been working for several years on multiple initiatives. Looking at the electrification of the vehicle fleet – both public and private – a number of direct and indirect actions have been implemented, such as purchase incentives for electric vehicles and the expansion of charging station infrastructure. Other goals, like reducing vehicle emissions, are being addressed more locally (especially in major urban areas) through measures such as limiting traffic in central zones and promoting sustainable alternatives like bicycles and car sharing.
The Crucial Role of Digitalization
A key enabler of the ecological transition lies in the digitalization of mobility management systems. This applies both to the internal processes of mobility providers and policymakers, as well as to their interactions with stakeholders on the demand side. Significant resources have been allocated in recent years to smart technologies that help optimize traffic management—rail and air in particular—and better track emerging demand trends, leading to smoother mobility with fewer negative network externalities.
More specifically in urban contexts, app-based car sharing, smart parking, and digital payment systems are increasingly common. Technology is indeed an indispensable ally in the shift to sustainable mobility, offering real-time data collection and analysis to improve performance and planning.
Intermodality: a Future of Integrated Mobility
Another essential element in achieving sustainable mobility goals is the development of an intermodal model—one that efficiently and affordably combines various transport modes for both providers and users. A cornerstone of this new model is the integration of public mobility offerings with private solutions, whether individuals or from new service providers like bike and car sharing platforms. The “last mile” concept—the final stretch between public transport stops and end destinations—is a crucial area of focus for Italian cities, along with the need for integrated parking solutions.
Investing in shared mobility solutions through public-private partnerships is one way to ease congestion and lower emissions. Italian cities are beginning to realize that enhancing public transport alone isn’t enough; they need to build integrated systems that also support sustainable personal mobility options.
Integrated Mobility: Cities, Territories, And Logistics
Urbanization plays a central role in the future of sustainable mobility, but it cannot be tackled without considering the broader regional transport system. Like cities around the world, Italian cities are facing increasing vehicle traffic—including freight—resulting in congestion, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Peri-urban and rural areas are also impacted, particularly when it comes to connecting production networks and logistic hubs to urban centers.
Sustainable mobility policies must therefore address both urban and inter-territorial challenges simultaneously. A systemic vision is essential, integrating intermodality, transport digitalization, and efficient logistics. Local governments and territorial authorities must collaborate to develop large-scale smart mobility models that optimize resource use, promote the decarbonization of both public and private transport, and encourage innovative solutions for urban goods distribution (such as cargo bikes, electric vehicles, and urban consolidation centers).
Measures such as creating Low Emission Zones (LEZ), expanding cycling infrastructure, upgrading low-impact public transport, and adopting smart traffic and logistics fleet management systems can significantly cut emissions and improve air quality. Most importantly, these actions must be part of a broader strategy that considers territorial specificities and the diverse mobility needs of people and goods, ensuring a fair and sustainable transition.
Sustainability as a Driver of Innovation and Competitiveness
Adopting sustainable mobility is not just an environmental responsibility – it also presents a major economic opportunity. Companies investing in green solutions can gain a competitive edge, enhance their brand, and meet the expectations of increasingly eco-conscious consumers.
Furthermore, the transition to sustainable mobility can spark new business opportunities, create jobs, and drive innovation. Italian companies – both in the transport sector and beyond – are called upon to lead this change, investing in green technologies, upgrading their vehicle fleets, and offering increasingly efficient and sustainable services.
Public-Private Cooperation to Accelerate Transition
Finally, collaboration between public and private sectors is key to accelerating progress. Institutions must establish a clear and enabling regulatory framework to attract investment in sustainable mobility. This must be supported by consistent and coordinated action across all levels of government, through both top-down strategies and bottom-up engagement. National goals and tools must be complemented by the involvement of key institutional stakeholders and the development of the skills and expertise necessary to foster positive outcomes, all the way down to the local decision-makers closest to citizens.
On their side, companies must respond with innovative and practical solutions capable of integrating various transport modes into a more sustainable system. When well-designed, such solutions can reduce inequalities in mobility access and enhance the quality of life for everyone.
Conclusion
The future of sustainable mobility in Italy is full of challenges—but even more so, opportunities. With the right combination of policies, technological investments, and public-private cooperation, Italy has the potential to become an European and global leader in sustainable mobility. This won’t come solely from improving infrastructure, but also from fostering a culture of sustainability, digital innovation, and integrated
transport solutions. The path towards a greener, more accessible, and more efficient mobility system is long, but clear signs of change are already visible. If properly directed, this transformation can deliver tangible benefits for the environment, the economy, and the everyday lives of citizens.
