Higher density leads to lower transport energy use per capita. The relationship between urban population density and transport energy use is inversely related (Peter Newman & Jeffrey Kenworthy).
This comparision of Copenhagen vs. Los Angeles shows this transport-urban form nexus very clearly. Both cities show similiar GDP per capita, yet dramatically different modal shares and transport energy usage per capita.
Total population size is not the reason why this is the case. Here is another example - this one by @LSECities
If you want to get a better grasp at urban mobility


and sustainability issues I can recommend this @BartlettUCL and @TUMInitiative e learning course starting next week


https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/components-of-sustainable-urban-mobility






