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As the first step toward implementing strategies to improve mobility in urban centers, governmental authorities must assess their present situation in order to identify the most effective actions that should be included in their short and long-term plans. However, there is not a well-established methodology to carry out such an assessment. The already existing ones are subjective, incomplete, costly, and hard to implement, especially for the case of Latin American (LATAM) countries. This paper proposes a comprehensive methodology to carry out this assessment. It uses recent advances in information technologies and includes the use of web map services, telematics data, and low-cost vehicle emission tests. As an example of application, a mobility assessment was carried out for Saltillo, a medium-sized city in northeastern Mexico, which is considered a typical city in LATAM countries. Results indicate that this methodology can be replicated at a low incremental cost and that it leads towards the identification of the most sustainable (economic, environmental, and social) actions that should be implemented in these cities considering their local circumstances.

The energy consumption of a large sample of vehicles (6955) operating during the last 3 years under everyday conditions across Mexico was monitored via OBD-based telematics systems. A life cycle statistical analysis of the obtained data showed that, on average, 54 t diesel vehicles used for long-distance freight transport consume 44.25 L/100 km and emit 1513 g CO2e/km. When these vehicles are powered by natural gas, the energy consumption and the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are increased by 23% and reduced by 0.8%, respectively. Using manufacturers’ data, these values reduce energy consumption by 16% and GHG emissions by 52% when they are electric. Similar observations were made for other vehicles sizes used for transporting goods and people.

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