Liveable cities and regions

How can the number of motorised kilometers traveled in a region be reduced? How can alternatives to the car contribute to better quality of life in the city without compromising accessibility?

The current mobility system is stuck in many places. Cities are growing in population, while the space for mobility often does not grow. Important functions must also remain easily accessible for residents and visitors. This makes it necessary for many municipalities to shift their budget from cars to more sustainable transport options (that take up less space).

TNO combines existing with innovative, new mobility concepts, based on the principle that important functions in cities and regions remain easily accessible to everyone. With an innovative "agent-based" traffic model we can model urban dynamics on a large scale. Compared to current simulations, this technology is more realistic and allows predictions to be made that take human behaviour into account.

Examples of issues that TNO can assist with are:

• making the concept of the 15-minute city applicable (proximity to functions/facilities) and linking this to changes in mobility (more active modalities, less motorised traffic).
• cost savings in the mobility domain without this having an impact on accessibility.
• apply broad prosperity in, for example, new-build neighborhoods with an eye for access/accessibility for all residents, including vulnerable groups.

How do we achieve a low-carbon mobility system in our city? How can we realise a modal shift to zero emission mobility?

The intention is often there, but the practise in which emission-free vehicles determine the street scene still seems far away. Grid congestion, charging problems, accessibility issues surrounding zero-emission zones. And then the consequences for vulnerable residents who are dependent on the car but cannot afford an e-car. Many parties, such as transporters, municipalities and electricity companies, are looking for solutions in which cities and regions remain accessible, but also become cleaner.

How can we change the mobility system so that it requires less space? How can we guarantee accessibility of the city for everyone? How can spatial decisions regarding area development be accelerated?

Complex challenges for many cities and regions. After all, a growing and aging population, smaller households and new generations with different needs compete for scarce space. And matters such as climate change, energy transition, mobility, activity, recreation and biodiversity must also be taken into account.

To arrive at the right solutions it is necessary to look at the entire spatial puzzle. Insight, innovations and solutions in sub-areas (per district, business park or village) will not get us there. TNO offers an integrated view to make better decisions about the organisation of our country.

How can we prevent heavy showers or extreme heat from completely disrupting the city? How can we limit the "recovery time" after heavy rain or extreme heat? And what other disruptions could hit cities?

Climate change has regularly led to disruptions in our road network in the past period. We also regularly see the consequences of climate change camps on the railways and on rivers, with delays (or worse), which underlines the need to build climate-robust infrastructure. The challenge is to achieve this with respect for nature, with nature-inclusive designs and "nature-based solutions".