cityto

Cityto is a term used in urban studies and speculative discourse to describe a framework for intercity connectivity and cooperation among metropolitan areas. It envisions a networked system in which cities coordinate transportation, data exchange, and governance to facilitate efficient, equitable movement of people and goods across large regions. The concept emphasizes interoperability, shared infrastructure, and governance mechanisms that span municipal boundaries rather than a single city.

The term combines "city" and "to", signaling direction and linkage. It has appeared in planning literature and scenario analyses since the early 2010s, often within discussions of smart cities, regional strategies, and climate-compatible mobility. Core components include cross-city transit integration such as ticketing and schedules, interoperable digital platforms for mobility data, standardized data schemas for land use and logistics, and joint policy instruments for zoning, procurement, and climate targets. Physical infrastructure may include transit corridors, bus rapid transit, and high-capacity rail, complemented by data-driven planning tools and open data portals.

In planning practice, cityto serves as a lens for designing regional mobility hubs, centralizing investment, and aligning housing with transit access. In fiction, it is used to explore scenarios of seamless intercity travel and governance. Benefits often cited include reduced congestion, lower emissions, and greater social inclusion through improved access to opportunities. Challenges include achieving multi-jurisdictional alignment, funding, and governance; ensuring privacy and data security; and avoiding unequal distribution of benefits.