Connected, innovative, sustainable: those are the words used to describe the municipality's new mobility plan for the capital, set to be implemented by 2035.
Over the last decade, the population of Luxembourg City has increased by approximately 30%. Projections indicate that by 2035, the city's population is expected to reach around 180,000, with job opportunities potentially reaching 218,000. To prepare for these surges, it is necessary to carefully plan how to accommodate newcomers and ensure adequate mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and commuters using public transport.
"It's fair to say that, as residents of the city, we often have to deal with traffic jams, but that does not compare with the hours spent in traffic that many commuters coming from further locations have to face. It's not about opposing one another - it's about figuring out how we can decrease traffic jams all together. In the current existing space, I don't see a way to accommodate more traffic. This means I have to find a solution to divert traffic so that it doesn't need to pass through the city anymore. It's not easy but looking ahead, with various infrastructure projects, it's something to aim for. And that's what I've tried to make clear today. We need to invest much more in public transportation and, of course, in soft mobility," stated Patrick Goldschmidt, the City's head of mobility.
The number of parking spots within the city is also set to be re-analysed: "With over 50,000 parking permits in the city, and with all of those that are coming from outside, we might need to analyse whether there are areas where we can offer different solutions. Not just for parking, but also to see if we can implement a push-measure by telling people 'you can't drive to your job in Bonnevoie anymore, because you can't park there for over 10 hours'. We're giving you alternative solutions, so you're going to use public transportation now."
For example, as the tram is set to be further expanded, there are plans to extend its reach to Route d'Arlon in Strassen, although there are still constraints due to property ownership. It's important, according to Goldschmidt, to also establish an efficient line between Cloche d'Or and Place de l'Etoile. Various concepts are being considered, but the proposed second route through the Upper City via Avenue de la Porte Neuve is not a priority for the next 10 years, according to the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer. While cars will not be banned from the city, municipal authorities aim to provide alternatives.
"We need to be prepared, and plan how we can ensure mobility in a city that is still growing. This mobility must be accommodated on various levels, including public transportation and soft mobility. And of course, we also need to maintain the quality of life for the people who are already living there, it's important," says Polfer. By 2035, there is a projected aim for 51% of the population to use public transportation.
