United States
Dallas
UMR Index Rank
#35
(+1)
Score: 51%
Sustainable Mobility
#40
(+3)
Score: 43.5%
Public Transit
#52
(-3)
Score: 42.7%
Technology Adoption
#24
Score: 47.3%
| Population | 6.8 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 5,278 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 1,292 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 93,809 |
UMR Index Rank
#35
(+1)
Score: 51%
Sustainable Mobility
#40
(+3)
Score: 43.5%
Public Transit
#52
(-3)
Score: 42.7%
Technology Adoption
#24
Score: 47.3%
What Dallas Does Well In Urban Mobility
Dallas has invested in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, leading to a relatively advanced adoption of CAVs. The Texas city soft launched an automated ride-hailing service in 2024, while another company announced plans to introduce 20 autonomous trucks to transport freight between Dallas and Houston beginning in 2025.
Dallas has well-connected and maintained roadways with a robust traffic management system that includes changeable message signs, coordinated traffic lights, and a traffic management center. In August 2024 the state of Texas also announced it would spend $148 billion on transportation infrastructure projects, some of which will benefit Dallas. Projects include rebuilding a highway loop in downtown Dallas, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025 and run until 2031.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Dallas’ Transportation System
An emphasis on car infrastructure combined with a sprawling layout discourages Dallas residents from walking or cycling. The city also lacks dedicated cycling infrastructure and pedestrian walkways. In 2022 it initiated a project to renew its bike plan and improve and expand over 500 miles (805 kilometers) of bicycle lanes, but the project hasn’t been approved yet.
Dallas also can improve its road safety. Its Vision Zero plan aims for zero traffic-related deaths and a 50% reduction in severe injury crashes by 2030. The plan, which recommends reducing speed limits and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, has existed since 2019 but needs to be accelerated as road fatalities remain high. A 2024 investment of approximately $22 million for improvements like lighting upgrades and enhanced crosswalks is a step in the right direction.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Dallas Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Dallas’ public transport is underutilized. Like in many North American cities, most residents prefer to use cars given limited public transit options and the city’s large size. City authorities can add routes and bus stops — a cost-effective improvement that would reduce distances to the nearest public transit stop while also connecting residents with rail stations.
Like its Texan peers Houston and Austin, Dallas lags behind in terms of electric vehicle (EV) market share in sales as well as the density of its charging network. Dallas can build on the Texas EV Rebate Program, which currently accepts only 2,000 applications a year for a $2,500 purchase rebate. Adoption has slowed since 2023, because EV owners must pay an additional $400 registration fee as well as a $200 annual fee for registration renewal. Dallas can waive fees for EVs and add subsidies or tax rebates to encourage EV sales. Regarding charging infrastructure, the city has plans to install 1,500 chargers by 2030. To catch up to top American performer San Francisco, Dallas would need to multiply its charging station density by a factor of more than 10.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley