Episódios
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Episode Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz is joined by Joost Vantomme, a prominent leader in intelligent transport systems (ITS) and the CEO of ERTICO ITS Europe. They explore key developments in the mobility industry, discussing Joost’s impressive career journey, the strategic priorities of ERTICO, and the future of intelligent and autonomous mobility. Highlights include insights from the recent ITS World Congress and innovations in urban mobility, automation, and data-driven solutions in transport.
Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz
Guest: Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO ITS Europe
Key Topics Discussed:
• Joost Vantomme's Career Journey
Joost shares his background, transitioning from a lawyer to telecommunications and European consultancy sectors, eventually leading him to his role as CEO of ERTICO. His extensive experience spans European automotive, regulatory affairs, and smart mobility advancements.
• ERTICO's Vision and Strategic Focus
Joost outlines ERTICO's mission to foster innovation in transport and mobility across Europe. The organization leads European-funded projects focusing on automation, data-sharing, and smart urban mobility. He also highlights ERTICO's influential role in thought leadership and the renowned ITS Congresses.
• Future of Autonomous Mobility
The discussion delves into the integration of autonomous mobility in public transport, the growing role of shuttles and robotaxis, and the rise of urban air mobility with eVTOLs and drones.
• Urban Mobility and Sustainability
Joost explains the concept of "15-minute cities" and the increasing demand for sustainable, multimodal urban transport systems. He talks about ERTICO’s role in shaping sustainable urban mobility plans with a focus on reducing emissions and enhancing air quality.
• AI and Data-Driven Mobility
The conversation highlights the crucial role of artificial intelligence in optimizing traffic management, improving logistics, and automating decision-making in transport systems. AI's impact on traffic control centers and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing and public transport management are explored.
• Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
As Vice President of the MaaS Alliance, Joost shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in achieving seamless multimodal transport. He advocates for open APIs, data sharing, and an integrated mobility ecosystem.
Memorable Quotes:
• "We believe that intelligent transport systems and automation can play a vital role in achieving efficient, less polluting, and more cost-effective mobility solutions." – Joost Vantomme
• "The future of urban mobility is multimodal. It’s about getting people and goods from point A to point B in the most efficient way, and ITS is the digital backbone of that transformation." – Joost Vantomme
Learn More About Our Guest:
• Joost Vantomme is a leading figure in intelligent transport systems and serves as the CEO of ERTICO ITS Europe. He is also the Vice President of the MaaS Alliance, actively working to enhance global mobility ecosystems.
Connect with Us:
• Website: https://mobilityredefined.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MobilityRedefined
Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo:
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Episode Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz interviews Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP, to explore the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public transport. They delve into key topics such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, workforce challenges, and how public transport must evolve to meet the needs of modern cities. The conversation highlights UITP’s global work in guiding public transport toward more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient solutions.
Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz
Guest: Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, UITP (International Association of Public Transport)
Key Topics Discussed:
• Decarbonisation in Public Transport
Mohamed discusses the global transition toward zero-emission vehicles and the complexities transport operators face in implementing electric and hydrogen-powered fleets. He emphasises the need for a system-wide approach that includes depot redesign, power supply infrastructure, and upskilling the workforce to maintain and operate advanced technologies.
• Workforce Challenges in the Industry
Public transport is one of the world’s largest employers, yet it faces a significant shortage of drivers and technical staff. Mohamed outlines six key recommendations to address the recruitment and retention crisis, focusing on improving working conditions, enhancing training programs, and increasing female representation in the sector.
• Free Fare Public Transport Debate
The conversation tackles the growing trend of free fare public transport, with Mohamed providing insights into cities that have adopted the model. He highlights examples from Luxembourg and Dunkirk, where free fare systems were successful due to simultaneous improvements in service quality. Mohamed cautions that simply eliminating fares without increasing service offerings may not shift people from cars to public transport.
• Redefining Public Transport for the Future
Public transport is evolving beyond traditional buses and trains to include a broader range of mobility options such as shared mobility and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Mohamed explains how integrating these services into a comprehensive mobility ecosystem is essential for creating car-free cities. He stresses the importance of shared mobility, digital platforms, and political will in redefining public transport for future generations.
Memorable Quotes:
• "Decarbonisation must be a priority, but it’s not just about zero-emission vehicles—it’s about having more and better public transport." – Mohamed Mezghani
• "The public transport sector must become an employer of choice. We need to improve working conditions and career prospects to attract new talent." – Mohamed Mezghani
• "Free fare public transport is the wrong answer to a very important question. We need to focus on improving the quality and frequency of service to make public transport more attractive." – Mohamed Mezghani
UITP’s Future Plans:
• UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg
Mohamed shares exciting details about the upcoming UITP Summit in Hamburg, marking UITP’s 140th anniversary. The summit will focus on decarbonisation, localised transport solutions, sustainable mobility, workforce diversity, and public transport’s role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He invites all listeners to attend this landmark event, taking place from 15-18 June 2025.
Connect with Us:
• Website: https://mobilityredefined.com
• LinkedIn:
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Episode Overview:
In this episode, global leaders from across three continents come together to discuss how cities and transport authorities are adapting to the increasing demands on mobility and funding challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists share insights into innovative solutions for transport funding, sustainability, and the role of public transport in economic resilience. They also explore the impacts of inflation, free fare public transport, and the importance of long-term planning in the rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz
Panelists:
Dr. Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of Gautrain Management Agency, South AfricaDr. Ozgur Soy, CEO of Metro Istanbul and Group Coordinator for municipal transport operators, TurkeyLukasz Franek, Director of the Transport Authority, City of Krakow, PolandKey Topics Discussed:
Gauteng’s Rapid Growth and Mobility Funding
Dr. Tshepo Kgobe explains how Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, faces rapid population growth and rising congestion. He outlines innovative strategies for financing public transport projects, including the expansion of railway networks and high-speed lines. He also discusses the importance of planning for long-term sustainability, including transitioning to electric and hydrogen-powered buses.
Krakow’s Post-COVID Transport Challenges
Lukasz Franek shares how the COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected Krakow’s public transport system, reducing passenger numbers and increasing operational costs due to inflation. He highlights Krakow’s focus on innovation, such as demand-responsive transport (DRT) systems and the integration of new technologies, to improve efficiency and attract more riders.
Istanbul’s Transport Innovations Amidst Economic Pressures
Dr. Ozgur Soy discusses how Metro Istanbul is managing the challenges of high inflation and increasing demand for public transport. With a population of over 16 million, Istanbul has invested heavily in expanding its metro system, with 17 lines under construction. Dr. Soy also highlights the city’s efforts to increase gender diversity in the workforce and their innovative funding solutions, including selling station naming rights and leveraging commercial opportunities within the metro system.
The Debate on Free Fare Public Transport
The panel engages in a lively discussion on the concept of free fare public transport. While acknowledging the appeal of free transport, the panelists caution against the financial sustainability of such models, noting that nothing is truly free and that governments must find ways to cover the costs without jeopardising long-term investment in public transport infrastructure.
Memorable Quotes:
"Mobility drives economic development. Without a proper transport system, cities die." – Dr. Tshepo Kgobe, Gautrain Management Agency"Inflation is one of our biggest challenges, but we’ve managed to expand our metro system and increase ridership despite the economic pressures." – Dr. Ozgur Soy, Metro Istanbul"The future of public transport depends on innovation, but we must also ensure it remains attractive to the next generation." – Lukasz Franek, Krakow Transport AuthorityFunding and Future Strategies:
Gautrain’s Vision for Sustainable Growth: Dr. Kgobe outlines the agency’s long-term transition plan, which includes battery-electric and hydrogen-powered buses, and a roadmap for moving from diesel to green energy.Istanbul’s Creative Financing: Dr. Soy discusses Istanbul’s innovative funding strategies, such as selling naming rights to metro stations and expanding commercial spaces within the metro... -
Episode Overview:
In this special CEO roundtable episode, recorded live at InnoTrans Berlin 2024, global mobility leaders discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of transport. This roundtable, hosted by Modaxo, brings together experts to explore innovations in public transport, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.
Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz
Panelists:
• Xavier Flores, CEO of Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona
• Paloma Baena Olabe, Director of Global Strategy, Renfe
• Jeffrey Sim, Group CEO of SBS Transit
• Laurent Eskenazi, CEO of Modaxo, EMEA
Key Topics Discussed:
• Barcelona’s Mobility Innovations
Xavier Flores discusses how TMB Barcelona is leading the way with digital and ecological transformations in the city’s public transport system. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between digitalisation and digital transformation, as well as decarbonisation and ecological transformation, focusing on efficient, zero-emission mobility.
• Singapore’s Operational Excellence in Public Transport
Jeffrey Sim of SBS Transit explains how Singapore’s public transport system has achieved world-leading reliability through predictive maintenance, mixed reality for operator training, and AI-driven technologies. He also shares how Singapore is using technology to enhance passenger experiences, particularly for those with disabilities.
• Renfe’s Strategy in High-Speed Rail and Sustainability
Paloma Baena outlines how Renfe, Spain’s national rail operator, is leveraging technology for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. She highlights Renfe’s investments in predictive maintenance and its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, including the use of hydrogen and plans for green bonds.
• Modaxo’s Vision for AI in Public Transport
Laurent Eskenazi discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming traffic management, passenger safety, and delay prediction. He emphasises the importance of governance in AI to ensure responsible use of the technology across Modaxo’s 50 companies globally.
• Decarbonisation and the Future of Sustainable Mobility
The panel discusses the role of decarbonisation in urban and intercity transport, focusing on Barcelona’s zero-emission bus fleet and Renfe’s commitment to carbon-neutral operations. The conversation touches on the challenges of electric bus deployment and the potential of hydrogen in rail systems.
Memorable Quotes:
• “We need to focus not just on zero emissions but also on efficient mobility solutions that meet the needs of our citizens.” – Xavier Flores, TMB Barcelona
• “For us, it’s all about pre-empting failures with predictive maintenance and recovering quickly when something goes wrong.” – Jeffrey Sim, SBS Transit
• “Renfe is committed to getting energy only from renewable sources, making 90% of our operations carbon neutral.” – Paloma Baena, Renfe
• “AI is key for the future of mobility, from traffic management to enhancing passenger safety and experience.” – Laurent Eskenazi, Modaxo
Learn More About Our Speakers:
• Xavier Flores – CEO of TMB Barcelona, leading innovative public transport solutions in Barcelona.
• Paloma Baena – Global Strategy Director at Renfe, driving sustainability and technological innovation in Spain’s high-speed rail sector.
• Jeffrey Sim – CEO of SBS Transit, a global operator known for operational excellence in Singapore’s public transport.
• Laurent Eskenazi – CEO of Modaxo for EMEA, overseeing AI-driven advancements in public transport technology.
Connect with Us:
• Website: https://mobilityredefined.com
• LinkedIn:
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Mobility Redefined is your go-to source for expert insights and thought leadership on the changing world of public transportation. Our mission is to lead the discussion on the future of mobility across Europe, Asia, and Africa, spotlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovations that are transforming the industry. Join us as we dive into sustainable solutions, digital advancements, and the reinvention of public transport systems globally.
