AI and Digitalization Drive a Paradigm Shift in Urban Planning The concept of 'transportation that moves cities' is rapidly evolving. At the heart of this transformation are digitalization and sustainability, with innovative examples from major European cities garnering global attention. Smart mobility transcends mere changes in vehicles or transport systems; it's moving towards a human-centric reconfiguration of the urban environment itself. In Europe, the convergence of new regulatory frameworks and digital technologies is acting as a key driver accelerating this transition, setting new standards for global urban planning. Europe is actively pursuing eco-friendly urban planning and the development of sustainable mobility infrastructure. According to Sweco's 2025 annual report, there is a surging demand across Europe for solutions that promote 'green transition,' 'digitalization,' and 'strengthening European competitiveness and resilience.' Companies like Sweco are leveraging their expertise in transport infrastructure development to provide customized solutions for growing urban areas. The U5 subway line extension project in central Frankfurt is a prime example of this approach. This project actively utilizes digital technologies to implement environmentally friendly and efficient designs while expanding transport infrastructure to accommodate urban growth. The Sweco report states that new regulations and a broad interest in societal transformation are strengthening corporate orders and supporting growth. In particular, there is a significant increase in demand for expertise in sustainability, circular economy, and data-driven solutions, which are becoming major growth drivers in urban planning and mobility. This shift is not merely about technological innovation but also an attempt to comprehensively address various challenges facing cities—traffic congestion, air pollution, and declining energy efficiency. European cities are now considering carbon emission reduction, improved energy efficiency, and the creation of pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environments as essential elements when planning transport infrastructure. The European Union's (EU) Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is significantly accelerating the energy transition in public transport. By mandating charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles, AFIR politically supports the proliferation of eco-friendly public transport options like electric buses. This regulation goes beyond merely requiring charging station installation; it aims to establish a consistent charging network across Europe, making the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles a practical reality. Such policy support plays a crucial role in helping cities reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Several European countries are actively embracing these regulatory changes, comprehensively reorganizing their public transport systems, which in turn fosters new business models and technological developments related to mobility services. AI technology is opening up entirely new dimensions of possibilities in urban planning. According to an analysis by Deloitte CE, utilizing AI in urban planning allows decision-makers to model various scenarios, optimize resource utilization, enhance sustainability, and refine urban design to improve residents' quality of life. This is a significant example demonstrating the potential of AI technology, particularly in urban infrastructure sectors like mobility. By analyzing and predicting traffic patterns, AI helps alleviate congestion, increase public transport efficiency, and more effectively allocate urban resources. Furthermore, AI-powered simulations enable urban designers to pre-evaluate the long-term impacts of various development scenarios, contributing to the creation of more sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure. Sustainable Transport Infrastructure: A Necessary Change for Korea Too Historically, transportation has brought significant changes to cities and human life. The development of railways and automobiles accelerated industrialization, and large-scale transport facilities fundamentally altered the size and structure of cities. However, traditional transport infrastructure, reliant on fossil fuels, is not energy-efficient and faces sustainability limits in terms of environmental pollution and climate change. 20th-century car-centric urban planning led to problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and inefficient use of urban space. In this context, digitized technologies and data-driven approaches are emerging as new ways to solve the complex problems facing modern cities. The European case, in particular, clearly demonstrates the importance of an innovative approach in urban planning that moves beyond the traditional car-centric paradigm to prioritize public transport, walking, and cycling. Major European cities are implementing large-scale smart mobility projects, reflecting these conte
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