Perth has ranked as one of the most car-dependent cities in the world, out of nearly 800 cities across 61 countries.
Based on new research from the EAFIT University in Medellin and the Complexity Science Hub, globally around 51 per cent of commutes are made by car, a proportion that rises to almost 92 per cent in American and Canadian cities.
Perth is one of the least walkable cities in the world. Credit: iStockphoto
In Perth, 82 per cent of commuters use cars, 12 per cent public transport and 4 per cent walk or cycle.
European cities were ranked least car-dependent, with Spanish cities featuring most in the top 10.
Researchers Rafael Prieto-Curiel and Juan Ospina collected data on different transportation modes (cars, public transport, walking and cycling) across 794 cities with a combined population of almost 850 million people.
The research found that for cities in Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, most of their mobility depended on cars, regardless of city size; however, it found broadly that smaller cities tended to be less car-dependent and wealthier cities more car-dependent.
Prieto-Curiel said cars presented significant challenges to cities due to their resource requirements and environmental impact.
“The increase in the motorisation rate is a massive burden worldwide, leading to issues such as unsafe roads, noise, inefficient use of public space, and costly infrastructure,” he said.
“Rapid urbanisation and car-centric infrastructure have resulted in sprawling low-density suburbs, contributing to longer commuting distances.
“Traffic congestion further exacerbates the situation, increasing commuting times and levels of pollution.”
Prieto-Curiel said despite the burden of cars, policymakers still invested disproportionately in infrastructure to enable them, thereby incentivising their use.
“Urban development has not aligned with sustainable mobility principles, often treating planning and transportation as separate entities,” he said.
“Deeply ingrained cultural preferences for car ownership, resistance to habit change, and the influence of car lobbies present challenges in altering attitudes.
“Yet, as the repercussions of climate change continue to inflict harm, urban mobility dominated by oversized, single-occupant vehicles is out of sync with our evolving needs.”
Curtin University sustainability expert Peter Newman, who has previously stated that Metronet’s legacy would be contributing to urban sprawl, said Perth and Brisbane were spending big bucks on new rail and busway projects to ease car dependence.
“Perth is building seven new rail lines and are already ahead of Brisbane in rail patronage after being much lower when I first got involved in lobbying for new rail systems,” he said.
“However, we have a long way to go in both cities. Most of all we are not doing enough to build housing density around stations.
“Car parks are given higher priority than affordable housing which has only deepened the housing crisis as the fringe housing is so car-dependent it is almost solely being occupied by people who can’t afford to live closer to the city and its services.”
A spokesman said while state government had not thoroughly reviewed this research, Perth had always been a car-reliant city.
He said since 2017, the state government has invested more than $300 million to deliver more than 240 kilometres of walking and riding routes, and committed a further $310 million over the next four years to develop an additional 221 kilometres.
“Our government is making significant investments to make public transport more accessible and affordable, and by the middle of next year, we will see more people connected to public transport than ever before,” he said.
“By the middle of 2025 Metronet will have delivered new train stations for Ellenbrook, Brabham, Dayton, Caversham, Ballajura, Beechboro, Bennett Springs, Noranda, Morley, High Wycombe, Maida Vale, Forrestfield, Redcliffe, Lakelands, Yanchep, Eglinton, Alkimos, Canning Vale and Southern River.
“We’re making public transport cheaper than ever before through our two-zone fare cap, as well as free public transport for all students travelling to and from school, for seniors during non-peak periods, every Sunday for the entire community, and of course we provided free public transport across the summer period, which was enormously successful.
“These changes are why our public transport patronage has had one of the best bouncebacks from COVID in the country.”
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.