The transport sector remains a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of the Global South. This study develops a multilevel governance framework for low-carbon mobility in smart cities, using São Paulo, Brazil as a case study. Drawing on documentary analysis and 22 semi-structured interviews across public, private, and civil society sectors, the research examines how governance structures shape the transition toward sustainable transport. Findings indicate that technological innovation alone is insufficient to drive systemic change. Instead, effective transition depends on four interdependent trajectories: integrated planning, knowledge co-production, governance experimentation, and innovative financing mechanisms. By synthesizing empirical insights into a scalable governance framework, the study contributes to sociotechnical transition theory and offers policy-relevant guidance for cities seeking to align climate mitigation objectives with urban mobility reform.
Jaqueline Nichi (Mon,) studied this question.