Daniel Firth
@danielfirth.bsky.social
Policy nerd - urban planner - map fan 🏳️🌈. Director of City Climate Research at C40 Cities. Ex Transport for London, City of Stockholm and Metro Vancouver TransLink. Opinions are my own or borrowed from someone smarter.
🚨 Snow plow tram klaxon 🚨
In any sane world we would call this a Tramboni. (It's possible this joke only works in hockey-playing countries en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_res...)
In any sane world we would call this a Tramboni. (It's possible this joke only works in hockey-playing countries en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_res...)
January 14, 2026 at 8:07 AM
🚨 Snow plow tram klaxon 🚨
In any sane world we would call this a Tramboni. (It's possible this joke only works in hockey-playing countries en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_res...)
In any sane world we would call this a Tramboni. (It's possible this joke only works in hockey-playing countries en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_res...)
This may well come as a shock to many Stockholmers but the scale and coverage of our transit system compares well to some of the world’s most dense. It’s less of a surprise to those of us who have worked hard to make it happen!
(Could it be cheaper and more reliable? Absolutely!)
(Could it be cheaper and more reliable? Absolutely!)
What urban areas in the world have the longest existing/under construction metro networks per capita?
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
January 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
This may well come as a shock to many Stockholmers but the scale and coverage of our transit system compares well to some of the world’s most dense. It’s less of a surprise to those of us who have worked hard to make it happen!
(Could it be cheaper and more reliable? Absolutely!)
(Could it be cheaper and more reliable? Absolutely!)
Reposted by Daniel Firth
What urban areas in the world have the longest existing/under construction metro networks per capita?
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
January 12, 2026 at 10:04 PM
What urban areas in the world have the longest existing/under construction metro networks per capita?
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
In a quick analysis using Transit Explorer & EU GHS-UCDB 2024 data, the top urban areas are:
1—Chengdu
2—Hangzhou
3—Ningbo
4—Xuzhou
5—Stockholm
6—Zhengzhou
7—Singapore
8—Xi'an
9—Hamburg
10—Changsha
I am also reminded by these graphs that the Norwegian word for a non-electric car is "fossil car". Perhaps we should all adopt that term, now that the short form acronym for Internal Combustion Engine is so strongly associated with something far more sinister.
As a Stockholmer this is not easy to admit but visiting Oslo feels - at least from a transport perspective - a bit like visiting the future:
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
January 13, 2026 at 2:55 PM
I am also reminded by these graphs that the Norwegian word for a non-electric car is "fossil car". Perhaps we should all adopt that term, now that the short form acronym for Internal Combustion Engine is so strongly associated with something far more sinister.
As a Stockholmer this is not easy to admit but visiting Oslo feels - at least from a transport perspective - a bit like visiting the future:
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
January 13, 2026 at 2:43 PM
As a Stockholmer this is not easy to admit but visiting Oslo feels - at least from a transport perspective - a bit like visiting the future:
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
- car traffic is barely increasing despite population growth
- transit, walking & cycling is handling all of the growth
- 95% of new cars are electric
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Great graphic from the folks at @cleanenergycanada.org that shows Canada falling dangerously behind in the global race on EVs.
Just saying: 2026 would be a great year for the feds to get serious about climate change again.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Just saying: 2026 would be a great year for the feds to get serious about climate change again.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Great graphic from the folks at @cleanenergycanada.org that shows Canada falling dangerously behind in the global race on EVs.
Just saying: 2026 would be a great year for the feds to get serious about climate change again.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Just saying: 2026 would be a great year for the feds to get serious about climate change again.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Reposted by Daniel Firth
When a cycling city has a walkability problem, there’s probably too much curb parking for cars.
January 10, 2026 at 1:25 PM
When a cycling city has a walkability problem, there’s probably too much curb parking for cars.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Probably one of the best road safety adverts from TfL.
If you've never seen it before - I can guarantee you will watch it twice.
If you've never seen it before - I can guarantee you will watch it twice.
January 8, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Probably one of the best road safety adverts from TfL.
If you've never seen it before - I can guarantee you will watch it twice.
If you've never seen it before - I can guarantee you will watch it twice.
EV sales in Sweden were tracking those in Denmark and Norway - until the government weakened purchase subsidies and reduced the cost of ICE fuels. Policy makes a difference.
Andelen elbilar av nybilsförsäljningen rusar i både 🇳🇴 och 🇩🇰. 96% i 🇳🇴 och 69% 🇩🇰. Även 🇸🇪 gick samma väg fram till 2023 då ökningen avstannade tvärt runt 35%. Politik spelar roll
January 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
EV sales in Sweden were tracking those in Denmark and Norway - until the government weakened purchase subsidies and reduced the cost of ICE fuels. Policy makes a difference.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Andelen elbilar av nybilsförsäljningen rusar i både 🇳🇴 och 🇩🇰. 96% i 🇳🇴 och 69% 🇩🇰. Även 🇸🇪 gick samma väg fram till 2023 då ökningen avstannade tvärt runt 35%. Politik spelar roll
January 7, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Andelen elbilar av nybilsförsäljningen rusar i både 🇳🇴 och 🇩🇰. 96% i 🇳🇴 och 69% 🇩🇰. Även 🇸🇪 gick samma väg fram till 2023 då ökningen avstannade tvärt runt 35%. Politik spelar roll
…and a happy 20th birthday to congestion pricing in Stockholm. We can assure our younger sibling that the benefits will keep piling up and that people will quickly wonder why we ever thought it was fair to being your car into the congested downtown for free
January 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM
…and a happy 20th birthday to congestion pricing in Stockholm. We can assure our younger sibling that the benefits will keep piling up and that people will quickly wonder why we ever thought it was fair to being your car into the congested downtown for free
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Congestion pricing is working. The cameras are staying on.
January 5, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Congestion pricing is working. The cameras are staying on.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Want to make a positive difference in the world right now? Join city government. Run for office. Join the staff. Cities are eager for change and can best lead on climate, equity, safety and prosperity work. Mamdani inauguration speech for inspiration:
www.youtube.com/live/iazY_UD...
www.youtube.com/live/iazY_UD...
2026 New York City Inauguration Ceremony
YouTube video by NYC Mayor's Office
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Want to make a positive difference in the world right now? Join city government. Run for office. Join the staff. Cities are eager for change and can best lead on climate, equity, safety and prosperity work. Mamdani inauguration speech for inspiration:
www.youtube.com/live/iazY_UD...
www.youtube.com/live/iazY_UD...
The snowstorm came in fast on northern Öland ⛄️
December 31, 2025 at 11:38 AM
The snowstorm came in fast on northern Öland ⛄️
Reposted by Daniel Firth
"City doing one more study - hopeful this one will conclude that doing nothing about the car-centric status quo is the best way forward."
@tomflood.bsky.social nails it again.
@tomflood.bsky.social nails it again.
December 29, 2025 at 5:08 PM
"City doing one more study - hopeful this one will conclude that doing nothing about the car-centric status quo is the best way forward."
@tomflood.bsky.social nails it again.
@tomflood.bsky.social nails it again.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Excited for year two!
The Mamdani administration should study expanding the Congestion Relief Zone to bring these benefits to more areas of our city.
The Mamdani administration should study expanding the Congestion Relief Zone to bring these benefits to more areas of our city.
December 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Excited for year two!
The Mamdani administration should study expanding the Congestion Relief Zone to bring these benefits to more areas of our city.
The Mamdani administration should study expanding the Congestion Relief Zone to bring these benefits to more areas of our city.
It’s one of my favourite stories so I read, listen to, or watch a version A Christmas Carol every year
It’s not an original observation that there are more people than ever who needed a visit from some ghosts last night
I reflect on what my ghosts would show me - it’s never too late for salvation
It’s not an original observation that there are more people than ever who needed a visit from some ghosts last night
I reflect on what my ghosts would show me - it’s never too late for salvation
December 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
It’s one of my favourite stories so I read, listen to, or watch a version A Christmas Carol every year
It’s not an original observation that there are more people than ever who needed a visit from some ghosts last night
I reflect on what my ghosts would show me - it’s never too late for salvation
It’s not an original observation that there are more people than ever who needed a visit from some ghosts last night
I reflect on what my ghosts would show me - it’s never too late for salvation
Reposted by Daniel Firth
This is one of our favorites!
December 24, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This is one of our favorites!
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Who needs a village when you can have parking lots?
December 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Who needs a village when you can have parking lots?
Every place that’s implemented congestion pricing started the discussion with ”but that could never work here”. And then it does.
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Every place that’s implemented congestion pricing started the discussion with ”but that could never work here”. And then it does.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
It’s the Winter Solstice and we have had more sunshine in Stockholm today than the whole of December so far. It has been the darkest December since 1934. ”Sun comes back” is headline news.
BUT: From now on, slowly but surely the light will return.
BUT: From now on, slowly but surely the light will return.
December 21, 2025 at 1:44 PM
It’s the Winter Solstice and we have had more sunshine in Stockholm today than the whole of December so far. It has been the darkest December since 1934. ”Sun comes back” is headline news.
BUT: From now on, slowly but surely the light will return.
BUT: From now on, slowly but surely the light will return.
Reposted by Daniel Firth
An old Swedish idiom for someone who isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer is hjulet snurrar men hamstern är död. It means “the wheel is spinning but the hamster is dead.”
* this is, of course, also the title of one of my books (and did I mention it makes the PERFECT last-minute Christmas gift?)
* this is, of course, also the title of one of my books (and did I mention it makes the PERFECT last-minute Christmas gift?)
December 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM
An old Swedish idiom for someone who isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer is hjulet snurrar men hamstern är död. It means “the wheel is spinning but the hamster is dead.”
* this is, of course, also the title of one of my books (and did I mention it makes the PERFECT last-minute Christmas gift?)
* this is, of course, also the title of one of my books (and did I mention it makes the PERFECT last-minute Christmas gift?)
Reposted by Daniel Firth
In case you haven't heard, THE MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN, IS BANNING CARS FROM OXFORD STREET and he's not ashamed to write a dorky rhyme about it.
December 18, 2025 at 6:50 PM
In case you haven't heard, THE MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN, IS BANNING CARS FROM OXFORD STREET and he's not ashamed to write a dorky rhyme about it.