Make four the norm – working with Uber to explore the keys to a car-free lifestyle

Australians should ‘make four the norm’ to reduce reliance on private car ownership according to Uber’s research.

Australia | Wednesday, 24 January 2024

In Uber’s recently released One Less Car – Shifting to a sustainable transport future report, ‘make four the norm’ refers to the need for Australians to have a variety of transport options available to offer the flexibility to travel where and how they need without owning a vehicle.

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Shifani Sood, Associate Principal at WSP Australia, and Graham Pointer, Director of Policy at WSP in the UK, assisted in identifying and framing recommendations for the report. The report includes research by The Behavioural Architects, Lime, Lug+Carrie and Uber Carshare. Both Shifani and Graham acknowledge the importance of a multimodal approach in Changing How We Move.

“Mode choice is an important part of decoupling from the private car and achieving better place, environment and health outcomes. Getting there will require bold action,” says Shifani.

Graham elaborates, “Placemaking is often held back by a lack of alignment between transport and planning practice.

“Being able to safely and easily walk and cycle, catch a reliable and frequent bus or train, and grab an Uber or taxi to get to where you need to go can make all the difference. It seems obvious when you look at the success of central London, most European cities and Sydney’s eastern suburbs that offer easy, reliable access to travel alternatives.”

The report identifies some tangible actions for making four the norm and reducing car dependence:

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