DUBAI: At the 30th edition of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress and Exhibition, participants in the session titled “Accelerating Mobility Transition Towards Smarter and More Sustainable Cities” concurred that decision-making in this transition must be driven by high-quality data. The process is not merely on data collection but on gathering meaningful data, analysing it effectively, and leveraging it to expedite the transition of transportation and mobility systems towards smarter, more sustainable urban environments.
The session was moderated by Zeina Nazer, Co-founder, Cities Forum, UK.
The session was opened by Mohammed Al Mudharreb, CEO of Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, Road and Transport Authority, who delivered the keynote address. He said, “The rapid urban growth cities are experiencing worldwide poses a challenge to urban planning, the integration of public transport networks, and their transformation towards smarter, more sustainable systems.” Al Mudharreb highli
ghted that RTA’s Cutting-edge Traffic Management System operates with exceptional efficiency, driven by a highly skilled and knowledgeable technical team, and leveraging the latest technological advancements.
Faysal Ali, Vice President-Design and Planning Studio, Parsons Corporation, UAE, said: “Entities involved in public transport and intelligent systems must capitalise on sharing knowledge and the global experiences of others. In this field, we are designing cities for people, not just for vehicles or mobility units. By fully applying the benefits of intelligent transportation systems, we can propel economic growth and promote wellbeing.’
Jon Newhard, CEO, of Yunex Traffic of Munich, Germany, said: “Accomplishing net-zero emissions in modern cities is essential, and clean transportation, reliable information, and actionable data are key drivers in the transition towards smarter and more sustainable cities. Data, particularly big data, plays a pivotal role in improving the user experience.’
Ramin Massoum
i, Global Solutions Director – Mobility, Arcadis of California, USA., opened his speech by congratulating RTA on hosting such a magnificent event. He commended the RTA’s technological initiatives in smart applications and sustainable transport. Massoumi underscored the importance of utilising smart technologies to manage energy consumption, as this has a direct impact on the environment. He stressed that these energy sources must operate efficiently in tandem with sustainable transportation to create healthier cities with clean air and peaceful life.
Dr. Yandong Fan, Head of Strategy and Planning, at Transurban, Melbourne, Australia said: “In Melbourne, we face the same challenges encountered by modern cities worldwide, particularly due to factors such as population growth. We continually collaborate with leading companies in the development of smart cities, focusing on intelligent and sustainable transportation networks, including the city’s extensive tram system, as well as electric vehicles and buses that
produce zero harmful emissions.”
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure at Skyports, said: “One of our most groundbreaking projects is the world’s first air taxi initiative, currently being implemented by RTA in partnership with Skyports and Joby Aviation in Dubai. This pioneering project is poised to position Dubai as the smartest and most sustainable city worldwide.”
Source: Emirates News Agency