Navigating the future of transport infrastructure and governance

Abstract

The transformation of mobility and transport infrastructure is emerging as one of the defining societal challenges of the twenty-first century. This editorial introduces the Special Issue on “Sustainable Mobility Transitions: (New) Pathways of Future Energy Systems” from a social science perspective, bringing together interdisciplinary insights on the political, institutional, and communicative dimensions of transport transition. Drawing on case studies from Germany and international contexts, the contributions of this Special Issue critically examine how governance structures—particularly parliamentary oversight and public participation—shape infrastructure planning and mobility policy. The discussion situates transport behavior within broader socio-technical systems and highlights the entrenched dominance of automobility, spatial legacies of car-centered urban planning, and the habitual routines that sustain private car use. At the same time, we identify new pathways for transformation, including innovations in sustainable and multimodal transport, participatory governance tools, and experimental urban interventions. The authors argue that overcoming the inertia of automobility requires not only technological and legal reforms but also compelling narratives, inclusive planning processes, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, the editorial underscores the importance for a renewed commitment to democratic legitimacy, institutional learning, and spatial justice in the governance of mobility and transport infrastructure.