Switzerland
Zurich
UMR Index Rank
#9
(-2)
Score: 65%
Sustainable Mobility
#8
(+1)
Score: 67.2%
Public Transit
#8
(-5)
Score: 68.3%
Technology Adoption
#22
Score: 49.1%
| Population | 1.2 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 243 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 4,746 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 119,196 |
UMR Index Rank
#9
(-2)
Score: 65%
Sustainable Mobility
#8
(+1)
Score: 67.2%
Public Transit
#8
(-5)
Score: 68.3%
Technology Adoption
#22
Score: 49.1%
What Zurich Does Well In Urban Mobility
Zurich ranks ninth in this year’s Urban Mobility Readiness Index thanks to a strong, diverse multimodal public transport system and well-connected national rail network. The public transit system is known for its efficiency, with stations that are almost always within easy walking distance. Zurich is also investing to improve its system. In 2024 the city approved expansion plans, including for two new tramways, likely to cost up to between CHF1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) and CHF2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) by 2040. The city is strengthening multimodality by investing in digital solutions, such as an all-in-one trip planner that facilitates urban journeys. The mobile application, ZüriMobil, enables a user to plan trips across multiple modes, including public transport, car- and bike-sharing, escooters, and taxis.
Zurich performs well on environmental indicators related to urban mobility. Air quality is already high, and the city is actively combatting noise and light pollution. Following test phases in the early 2020s, the city is implementing speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour as well as installing low-noise road surfaces and enclosing tunnels to reduce noise pollution. The city’s large number of car-free zones and a growing electric vehicle market share in sales further help Zurich improve on already strong sustainability measures.
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 Zurich’s Transportation System
Despite growing adoption of bikes, Zurich’s cycling infrastructure lags behind that of top cities. However, the city’s 2030 bike plan includes the construction of more cycling routes and making cyclists a priority at traffic lights. Zurich is also encouraging multimodality by integrating its cycling infrastructure with other modes of transport. For example, it is installing more bike parking at train stations.
In comparison with top-performing cities, Zurich does less well in the market capitalization of mobility companies and has fewer top universities and labs with a mobility focus. Encouraging a vibrant mobility ecosystem with private companies and academia can help Zurich become the very best in urban mobility.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Zurich Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
While Zurich boasts an excellent public transit system, it can do more to promote alternative modes of transport such as walking and cycling. It can boost active mobility by supporting bike-sharing companies, investing more in bike-sharing stations including e-bikes, and encouraging consumer use with public awareness campaigns. Additionally, the city can focus on improving its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure by building dedicated and connected lanes on popular roadways. The city can accelerate the implementation of its plan to build a 130-kilometer (81-mile) network of bike priority routes by 2031.
Zurich can do more to expand adoption of autonomous public transit. The city’s public transport agency conducted an early stage demonstration of a driverless electric bus for last-mile transit in 2018, but it has been slow to develop and expand this technology into other programs or initiatives.
The city can increase automation to cover existing and future tramways and rail lines. This can enhance service delivery and help extend operating hours.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley