The Spanish region of Catalonia has demonstrated strong leadership in sustainable mobility by committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Transport is the highest emitting sector in the region, and its decarbonisation requires strengthened action, with modal shifts at scale in favour of walking, cycling, public transport and shared modes, alongside electrification efforts. Catalonia has long recognised the importance of such changes, taking a pioneering step with the unanimous adoption of its Mobility Law in 2003. This Law introduced a paradigm shift, from a mobility model based on private vehicles, to one that allows accessibility via transport modes with lower environmental impacts and social costs.
Building on this visionary foundation, this OECD report applies a systems approach to identify processes and policy packages to translate the 2003 Law’s ambition into action. It emphasises the need for the co-creation of a transformative roadmap to align stakeholders, the establishment of shared targets, and the identification of transformative policy packages. Proposed measures include reallocating public space to favour active and shared modes, expanding high-quality infrastructure for active mobility, increasing the availability of micromobility services, enhancing the integration of active and shared transport modes, and supporting vehicle electrification, low-emission zones, and improved public transport services.
With numerous on-going opportunities to scale up ambition and translate goals into meaningful action, Catalonia holds great potential to trigger systems change, and create a transport system that works for both people and the planet.
Jo Tyndall
Director of the Environment Directorate
OECD