United States
Los Angeles
UMR Index Rank
#15
(+8)
Score: 62%
Sustainable Mobility
#32
(+1)
Score: 50.2%
Public Transit
#43
(-3)
Score: 46.0%
Technology Adoption
#2
Score: 67.3%
| Population | 14.1 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 6,351 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 2,219 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 90,514 |
UMR Index Rank
#15
(+8)
Score: 62%
Sustainable Mobility
#32
(+1)
Score: 50.2%
Public Transit
#43
(-3)
Score: 46.0%
Technology Adoption
#2
Score: 67.3%
What Los Angeles Does Well In Urban Mobility
Los Angeles comes in 15th in the latest Urban Mobility Readiness Index, in part thanks to its excellent performance in the Technology Adoption sub-index, where it ranks second behind San Francisco.
Top universities and government investment make Los Angeles a hub for mobility innovation, particularly with the city’s plan to introduce new forms of air mobility for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Federal Aviation Administration has outlined a plan to regulate air mobility by 2028. While the infrastructure for special events in Los Angeles is already strong, the region will receive nearly $900 million in funding for critical infrastructure and the metro system. Similar to Paris’ preparations for the 2024 Olympics, Los Angeles exemplifies how preparing to host a mega event can act as a catalyst for improving and investing in urban mobility.
With significant government investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and generous incentives programs, Los Angeles and California are well on their way to meeting the state’s goal of ending the sale of internal combustion engine cars by 2035. Los Angeles County also has committed to building 10,000 charging stations at county facilities by 2030, with interim goals of 150 stations at public housing sites and 120 at multifamily housing sites by 2024. While the density of charging stations still lags behind San Francisco, the city is finding innovative ways to install more chargers, such as by placing them on light poles.
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 Los Angeles’ Transportation System
Los Angeles has historically high levels of car use, accounting for 93% of distance traveled in 2022, leading to highly congested roads. The city is investing in smart solutions to try to improve traffic flow. Its Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control system claims to reduce travel time by 10% by automating signal control at connected intersections based on data collected from loop detectors. However, the city lacks the necessary walking and cycling infrastructure that can encourage residents to opt for more active modes of transport. Los Angeles’ Mobility Plan 2035 heads in the right direction with measures such as protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety enhancements.
The Los Angeles transit system suffers from low ridership levels due to slow commute speeds and low station density, which means commuters face long walks to many stations. However, Los Angeles Metro’s 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan includes doubling the number of metro stations and will provide for a network of more than 200 stations over 240 miles (380 kilometers) by 2050. In the shorter term, investments in preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games also cover metro expansion.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Los Angeles Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Los Angeles continues to rely almost exclusively on personal cars to get around, with Angelenos owning nearly three times as many cars as New Yorkers on a per capita basis. The city can discourage car usage by limiting car parking. Los Angeles also can offer alternatives by promoting public transit, active mobility, and shared mobility. The city’s metro 2020 plan includes $7 billion for protected pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, which is a positive step forward. Los Angeles also can support bike-sharing programs and subsidize e-bike purchases to encourage adoption.
The city’s sprawling layout and low public transit station density results in some residents facing long walks to their nearest station. Los Angeles can bolster its transit network by introducing more stops and stations along commuting lines. While the city already plans to expand its metro, it can make more immediate improvements by expanding the number of bus routes and stops to reach more residents. The city already plans to double the number of bus lines. Introducing dedicated bus lanes would also lower commute times and encourage residents to take the bus to avoid the city’s infamous traffic.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley