The Next Phase Of Urban Transportation: Insights From CoMotion LA – Forbes

Report on the Digital Transformation of Urban Mobility and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Analysis of discussions from the CoMotion LA conference indicates a pivotal shift in urban mobility, moving beyond new vehicle technologies to the development of foundational digital infrastructure. This transformation is critical for establishing seamless, safe, and scalable public-private collaborations. Such advancements directly support the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by creating more efficient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable transportation systems.

1. Global Events as Catalysts for Sustainable Infrastructure

Major international events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, are acting as deadlines, compelling cities to accelerate investment in innovative and resilient infrastructure. This push extends beyond physical assets to the critical digital systems required for modern transportation management.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: These events necessitate an urgent upgrade to digital infrastructure, treating it with the same importance as physical roads and transit lines to build resilient systems capable of managing future demands.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Preparing for a surge in travel requires smart, data-driven coordination to manage congestion, reduce emissions, and ensure equitable access for all residents and visitors, making the urban environment safer and more sustainable.

2. The Imperative of Data Standards for Sustainable Development

A recurring theme was the foundational need for common data standards to effectively manage and measure urban mobility. The lack of standardized data across different modes and operators currently hinders holistic management and slows progress toward sustainability targets.

1. Fostering Partnerships (SDG 17): Open standards like the Mobility Data Specification (MDS) and Curb Data Specification (CDS) create a universal digital language. This enables effective collaboration between public sector authorities and private mobility operators, which is essential for integrated transport solutions.
2. Enhancing Sustainable Cities (SDG 11): Standardized, interoperable data allows city planners to improve public safety, integrate diverse mobility services, and implement adaptive policies that reduce congestion and environmental impact.
3. Driving Innovation (SDG 9): For the private sector, common standards reduce operational friction and lower compliance costs, creating a fair and competitive environment that encourages innovation in sustainable transportation technology.

3. A New Era of Public-Private Co-creation for Urban Goals

The dynamic between municipalities and technology startups has evolved from opposition to partnership. Cities are increasingly adopting the role of innovation leaders, leveraging digital tools and agile methodologies to pilot and implement forward-thinking mobility solutions.

• Leading with Partnership (SDG 17): The shift towards co-creation exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17, where public bodies and private enterprises work together to achieve common goals. Cities are now actively shaping data standards and frameworks for digital governance.
• Overcoming Fragmentation for Scalable Impact: A primary challenge is the fragmented regulatory landscape across different jurisdictions. By investing in shared data standards, cities can lower barriers to innovation, allowing successful, sustainable mobility solutions to scale efficiently and contribute more broadly to the objectives of SDG 9 and SDG 11.

4. The Road Ahead: An Integrated Ecosystem for Sustainable Mobility

The future of urban mobility will be defined not by a single technology but by the successful integration of a complex ecosystem of services and infrastructure. Cities that prioritize the development of digital infrastructure today will be best positioned to address future challenges and advance their sustainability agendas.

Ultimately, the transition to digital mobility represents a new model for public-private coordination. By treating data as a public asset and embracing collaboration, cities can build transportation systems that are more responsive, efficient, and fundamentally aligned with the global vision for sustainable development.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article’s central theme is the development of innovative and resilient digital infrastructure for transportation. It emphasizes investing in “digital infrastructure with the same urgency as physical infrastructure” and using technology to scale innovation, which directly aligns with the goal of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The entire discussion is framed within the context of urban mobility and making cities more sustainable. The article highlights the need to “create truly smart, efficient, and equitable transportation systems” and to manage urban challenges like “congestion, emissions, and access.” This connects directly to the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, particularly through improved transport systems.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  A key takeaway from the article is the shift towards collaboration between the public and private sectors. It describes a “new model for public–private coordination” and highlights how the old narrative of “government versus startups” has been replaced by “partnership and co-creation.” This focus on collaboration to achieve common goals is the essence of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

  The article directly addresses this by focusing on building “digital foundations” and “digital infrastructure” for transportation systems to make them more efficient, reliable, and scalable.

• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

  The article discusses how cities are becoming “innovation leaders,” “piloting new delivery services,” and “testing shared mobility management frameworks,” which reflects an effort to upgrade technological capabilities and encourage innovation in the public sector.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

  The article’s goal to create “smart, efficient, and equitable transportation systems” and “improve safety” directly supports this target. The emphasis on managing interconnected systems aims to create a more accessible and sustainable transport network.

• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

  The article explicitly mentions the need for digital systems to “manage congestion, emissions, and access,” which is directly related to reducing the negative environmental impact of urban transportation.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

  The article highlights this target by describing a “new model for public–private coordination” where cities and private operators “work together seamlessly.” The shift from an adversarial relationship to one of “partnership and co-creation” is a central point.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: The adoption of common data standards. The article explicitly names the “Mobility Data Specification (MDS)” and “Curb Data Specification (CDS)” as frameworks that help cities and operators “speak the same digital language.” The rate of adoption of these standards can serve as an indicator of progress in developing interoperable digital infrastructure.
• Implied Indicator for Target 9.5: The number of pilot programs and new technology deployments. The article mentions cities are “piloting new delivery services, testing shared mobility management frameworks, and permitting new autonomous vehicle deployments.” Tracking these local innovations serves as an indicator of public sector leadership in innovation.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.2: Metrics on system efficiency and safety. The article states that with standardized data, “cities can improve safety, integrate more mobility operators, and make policies more adaptive.” This implies that progress can be measured through data on reduced congestion, improved safety records, and the number of integrated mobility services available to the public.
• Implied Indicator for Target 11.6: Data on urban transport emissions. The article notes that without digital tracking, cities will “struggle to manage… emissions.” This implies that the ability to collect and analyze real-time emissions data from transportation systems is a key indicator of progress.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Implied Indicator for Target 17.17: The establishment of shared data frameworks and governance models. The article argues for “investing in shared data standards and common frameworks for digital governance” as a way to lower barriers for private operators and protect the public interest. The development and implementation of these collaborative frameworks is a direct indicator of successful public-private partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com