United States
Houston
UMR Index Rank
#34
(-2)
Score: 52%
Sustainable Mobility
#46
(-3)
Score: 42.0%
Public Transit
#49
(-2)
Score: 43.0%
Technology Adoption
#32
Score: 44.0%
| Population | 6.8 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 4,931 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 1,369 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 92,974 |
UMR Index Rank
#34
(-2)
Score: 52%
Sustainable Mobility
#46
(-3)
Score: 42.0%
Public Transit
#49
(-2)
Score: 43.0%
Technology Adoption
#32
Score: 44.0%
What Houston Does Well In Urban Mobility
Houston has well-connected roads and a robust traffic management system that is better developed than those in Dallas and Austin. The system includes coordinated traffic lights and metering lights for freeway on-ramps, which can help regulate traffic flows. The city has traffic and incident management systems and is undergoing a $9 billion I-45 highway reconstruction plan that will also introduce bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure along parallel and cross streets.
Government investment in connected and autonomous vehicle technologies has fostered an innovative ecosystem, with different solutions including autonomous passenger services and autonomous delivery services. In 2024, Houston’s metro also launched the second phase of a pilot program for an autonomous vehicle shuttle operating in the university district.
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 Houston’s Transportation System
Limited infrastructure for cycling and walking and an insufficient public transit system have prevented commuters from reducing their private car use. The city’s bike-share network was shut down in mid-2024 after 12 years of operation, further reducing cycling options for residents. As of April 2024 the mayor had paused or abandoned plans for improving pedestrian safety and active mobility, including projects for protected bike lanes and funding for pedestrian walkways.
Houston’s roads are not very safe, with high numbers of fatalities and accidents. Since 2019 the city has been implementing a Vision Zero plan that aims to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. However, the mayor’s decision to reverse course on median strips, a safety feature used to separate opposing lanes of traffic to reduce severe injuries and head-on car accidents, is not conducive to reaching this ambition. On a more positive note, the city does have a $7.5 billion plan to expand public transit, with the aim of reducing congestion and car use, including adding 16 miles (26 kilometers) of light rail and 75 miles (121 kilometers) of rapid bus service. Once operational, these improvements may encourage residents to opt for public transit, taking cars off roads and potentially reducing accidents.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Houston Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Houston lags behind other American cities, including even Dallas and Detroit, in electric vehicle (EV) market share in sales, as well as in the density of its charging network. Houston can offer more subsidies for EV purchases, building on the Texas EV Rebate Program, which currently accepts only 2,000 applications a year for a $2,500 purchase rebate. To improve charging infrastructure, an approximately $15 million federal grant received by Houston to install over 300 new charging stations will be a step forward. However, Houston can do more, including waiving registration fees for EVs or adding subsidies or tax rebates.
Houston’s public transit system is underutilized, with commuters often opting for private cars. The city can add routes and stops for buses and streetcars to help connect residents with metro stations. Such measures would help decrease walking distances and overall commute times. Extending existing metro lines and adding new lines will be key to building out public transit, but that effort will be time-intensive and expensive.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley