“Over the next 10 years, transport systems globally will undergo a radical transformation as they adapt to the changing world but also drive change. The urgency to decarbonise will push the roll-out of electric fleets and this is clearly the number-one solution of the ‘carbon emissions’ equation. However, transport needs innovation to solve for the hard-to-decarbonise aviation and maritime sectors. As the world’s population is growing, becoming more urban and interconnected, the equation will also need to factor in digital technologies such as intelligent transport systems and big data. And lastly, transport has a powerful feedback effect on the economies and societies it serves – new transport hubs can promote inclusivity and social equality.”

Tania Tsoneva
Senior director – global infrastructure research
CBRE Investment Management

“From an investor’s perspective, the transport sector will be defined by new verticals and subsectors as there are many increasingly important interrelated and growing areas. Transport will be more integrated, resilient and efficient and, hopefully, on a glide path to being sustainable. Urbanisation and related congestion might be alleviated by smaller public vehicles running denser, bespoke routes with better connectivity. AVs and shared fleets and even some airborne systems will be deployed to move consumer parcels (and maybe even people) to last-mile destinations. Significant investment in greener infrastructure will be required to support land-based freight flows, with activity set to increase around 50 percent by 2050. Capital will be invested in more than just the electrification of railways. Innovation in vessel propulsion systems and the related infrastructure will support a more sustainable maritime trade.”

Michael Allen
Partner
Arcus Infrastructure Partners

“We expect the shift from fossil fuels to EVs across Europe to accelerate both for public transport and for private cars, leading to lower emissions and noise levels. Freight transport will become a main driver of commercial fleet electrification and potentially hydrogen adoption. Liberalisation and a higher number of privately owned public transport operators will result in more reliable and affordable services to local communities. The transportation modes will become more connected, accelerating the move towards data-driven and intelligent transport and mobility systems. Overall, we see public transport, logistics and EV charging becoming closely interlinked as an integral part of the overall transition to clean mobility across Europe, and digitalisation a key factor to enhanced efficiency.”

Stefan Weis
Partner, Cube Infrastructure Managers