Generational Investment Pays Off as Paris Moves Near Top of Urban Mobility Ranking

Paris has earned a well-deserved spot as the second-best city globally for urban mobility, according to the 2024 edition of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index. The ranking, published by the Oliver Wyman Forum and the University of California, Berkeley, assesses 70 cities based on how well they are preparing for the future of transportation. The French capital’s rise from 8th place last year to 2nd place this year is a testament to the city’s strong investments in sustainable transport and innovative infrastructure, positioning it as a leader in global urban mobility.

While Paris has climbed the ranks, it still trails behind San Francisco, which has claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year. San Francisco leads thanks to its substantial investment in cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous vehicles (AVs), electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and innovative public transit solutions. The city is also a pioneer in adopting autonomous ride-hailing services, with robo-taxis already operating in select areas. This focus on technological advancement has propelled San Francisco to the top of the new Technology Adoption sub-index, which was introduced in 2024 to evaluate cities’ preparedness for future mobility technologies like AI, self-driving vehicles, and air taxis.

However, Paris is no stranger to innovation itself. In fact, the city’s ranking highlights its ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility through both traditional and forward-thinking approaches. Paris has heavily invested in cycling infrastructure, with plans to build 180 kilometers of new bike lanes by 2026, supported by over 250 million euros in funding. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make the city more bike- and pedestrian-friendly, particularly in anticipation of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Paris also shines in public transit, ranking 5th globally for the quality and quantity of its metro and bus systems. The extension of metro Line 14 to the Stade de France, a project designed to enhance accessibility, is just one example of how Paris is improving its transport network. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its transition to clean energy for public transit, with plans for 70% of buses to run on biomethane by 2030.

Cycling in Paris near the Arc de Triomphe

It is worth noting that Paris vaulted over the traditional leaders in bicycle friendliness such as Amsterdam.

A major factor behind Paris’s rise in the rankings is its investment in accessibility and safety. The city’s efforts to reduce car traffic, including lowering the speed limit on the périphérique (ring road) and expanding car-free zones, are helping to make the city more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. These measures, combined with the ongoing development of inclusive transport systems, have created a more vibrant, safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

The Parisian model demonstrates that innovation in urban mobility doesn’t have to be solely about new technologies; it can also be about making smarter investments in infrastructure, improving public transport, and prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity. As Paris continues to lead by example, it serves as a model for other cities looking to build a more sustainable and accessible urban future.

While San Francisco remains at the top for now, Paris’s rapid ascent in the rankings shows that the French capital is more than capable of keeping pace with the latest advancements in urban mobility. Whether it’s enhancing public transport or embracing green technologies, Paris is proving that it’s a city ready for the future of transportation.

New York is the only other North American city in the top 10.