Transport Innovations and Society

Despite ambitious commitments under the Paris Agreement , the reality is stark: current policies are insufficient to keep global warming below 2°C. The transport sector, responsible for nearly a third of the EU’s GHGs, has shown limited progress. While other sectors have steadily reduced emissions, transport emissions are actually higher today than in 1990 . Many European countries have struggled to make substantial reductions over the past decade. This highlights inconsistencies in the formulation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and in the definition and implementation of effective policies. At DLR Institute of Transport Research , we (Florian Koller and Dimitris Milakis) are proud to lead the new Horizon Europe project PATH2ZERO (Accelerating net-zero transformation by advancing Europe’s transport pathways and cross-sectoral synergies) , to address these challenges. Our vision, together with 11 partners from Europe, over 40 national stakeholders and over 10 inter...

I have been recently invited by the ITS International Magazine to write an article on space transport systems as a new frontier for transport planning and the benefits for Earth-based transport systems. The article starts by describing the global space exploration roadmap, highlighting key technological developments for human space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Then, it outlines the unique challenges of planning transport systems in space settlements, such as dealing with reduced gravity and extreme environmental conditions. A conceptual model is described, focusing on core elements like infrastructure, travel behaviour, and impacts on safety, health, and equity. Additionally, the paper discusses how space transport research can offer insights for improving Earth-based transport systems, particularly in vehicle design, resource efficiency, and multi-modal integration. The article is available here .  

In our new article with Dennis Seibert "The illusion of the shared electric automated mobility transition", we argue that the transition from private internal combustion engine-based automobility will likely favour privately-owned electric AVs over shared AVs, unless a landscape “shock” such as a climate breakdown, energy crisis or a significant political shift towards collective mobility exerts substantial pressure on the automobility regime. Drawing from the multi-level perspective of technological transition , we develop a conceptual model for the transition towards private and shared electric automated mobility, supported by a comprehensive literature review. Our analysis reveals that shared, particularly pooled, mobility emerges slowly (niche level). Key actors resist a shift from private to shared electric automated mobility for economic (vehicle manufacturers), instrumental, affective, symbolic (users and societal groups), tax-revenue, governance and administrative (pu...

As shared electric automated vehicles scale up, it is critical to adapt to cultural, geographical and policy/governance contexts for better serving the needs of local societies. The new Horizon Europe project I participate, Diversify-CCAM (2024-2027), will develop methods and tools that support CCAM developers, transportation planners and policy makers (European, national, regional) in integrating social diversities in the design and implementation of future shared automated mobility in European landscapes. Our research will extend in 6 European countries (Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden), covering 12 diverse local contexts. More information about Diversify-CCAM here .

I have been part of an exceptional team of SSH experts that delivered an impactful paper for the european research agenda on transport and mobility, moving it towards more socio-technical approaches. The outcomes of this joint effort were published in Transport Reviews under the title "A Social Sciences and Humanities research agenda for transport and mobility in Europe: key themes and 100 research questions” . The paper has been awarded with the 2024 Moshe Givoni Prize . Named in Memory of Moshe Givoni, this prize has been set up to celebrate the contributions he made to transport research and to the running of Transport Reviews for over 10 years as Associate Editor. First presented in 2020, the award recognizes the outstanding scholarship of many of the papers published in the Journal. Each year, the Editors will select the best paper published in Transport Reviews over the previous calendar year. Winners receive a certificate, citation and a prize of €500. According to Transpor...

I have been recently invited by the Greek Newspaper Kathimerini to provide an opinion piece about the controversy surrounding the extensive pedestrianisation 'experiment' in Athens, Greece, known as the " Megalos Peripatos " ( Great Walk ).   In my argument, I contend that if such a pedestrianisation plan is:   1️⃣ implemented merely as a 'traffic' or 'design' experiment, 2️⃣ conducted with a paternalistic, top-down approach incorporating pseudo-participatory processes, 3️⃣ not integrated into a broader strategy aimed at reducing car usage and enhancing both the urban environment and accessibility to degraded urban areas. 4️⃣ promoted solely as a technical project to enhance the 'image' of central Athens to the world, neglecting the social, economic, and environmental conditions of the city in the post-crisis era, 5️⃣ planned outside institutionalised processes, or in an ad-hoc manner, where powerful private and public entities and individuals ...

My recently published editorial in Transport Reviews initiates a dialogue on transport planning within permanent space settlements. It is motivated by Phase 3 space exploration (Sustained lunar opportunities) that will follow Phase 1 (Boots to the moon) and Phase 2 (Lunar exploration - expanding and building) of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group ( ISECG , 14 Space Agencies) roadmap for expanding human presence from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars. Here are the key takeaways:   1️ Conceptual Model: A conceptual framework that outlines the key elements and contextual factors for the development and operation of transport systems within space habitats has been introduced.   2️⃣ Space constraints: Transport in space settlements will face challenges like cosmic radiation, varied gravity conditions, temperature fluctuations, and more. This requires systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, resilience, accessibility, and well-being far beyond Earth's r...