Seville and Hannover to explore data-led mobility with Zurich lab

Seville and Hannover are working with the Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab at ETH Zurich (pictured) to explore data-driven approaches to urban transport planning.

Supported by shared mobility operator Bolt, the initiative aims to assess multimodal transport networks and inform public transit investment decisions.

Speaking to Cities Today, Katja Schimohr, postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, said: “The SUT Lab’s research aims to guide future Sustainable Urban Mobility investments by using an evidence-based approach. We plan to analyse diverse data sources such as Bolt’s shared mobility data (including sensor data), surveys, questionnaires, citywide mobility and infrastructure data to better understand how and when people use shared mobility, parking behaviour and preferences for multimodal travel.”

She stated that the findings could help direct investment towards projects with the potential to reduce car usage, lower carbon emissions, and support public transport ridership.

Multimodal transport integration is a focus for both cities. Orlando Roman, a doctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, described the role of mobility hubs in this process.

“An increasingly popular strategy in many European cities, including Seville and Hannover, is the development of mobility hubs which are physical locations that bring public transport, shared bikes, e-scooters, and ride-hailing together, making multimodal transfers quick and convenient,” he said.

The lab will provide insights into user preferences, suitable locations, and expected outcomes of these hubs. This is particularly relevant for Seville, where authorities are considering mass transit expansion.

“A better network of mobility hubs can increase expected transit ridership making those mass transit investments more cost-effective,” Roman added.

With Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) now required for urban nodes in the Trans-European Transport Network, the research in Seville and Hannover could offer insights for other cities.

“Both cities show how pairing bold targets with data-driven strategies can produce realistic, impactful plans,” Schimohr said.

She pointed to Hannover’s objective to cut transport CO₂ emissions by 70 percent and halve car traffic by 2035, alongside Seville’s Respira (breathe) plan, which includes transit expansion, pedestrianisation, and low-emission zones.

To support decision-making, the lab is using simulation modelling.

“Our simulation models act like a virtual testing ground where cities can see how a new bus line, bike lane, or metro extension would affect travel times, emissions, and adoption before spending on construction,” Roman explained.

By incorporating real-world data, the models aim to help transit agencies evaluate potential projects and refine plans before implementation.

“If cities want to make real progress on reducing car dependency and improving transport sustainability, they need to invest in multimodal solutions that are convenient and attractive to users,” Schimohr said. “Our work aims to support that shift by providing insights grounded in real data and behaviour patterns.”

Image: Waldteufel | Dreamstime.com