As the world eagerly anticipates the 30th ITS World Congress taking place in Dubai from September 16-20, we are privileged to present the second part of an insightful discussion of Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO-ITS Europe, and Jon Newhard, CEO of Yunex Traffic, in the run-up to this event.
In the first part of the conversation, published in July, the discussion wrapped around the question of how innovation can be driven in the ITS industry by emerging technologies, such as AI and what role associations such as ERTICO play in that context. Now, they share their perspectives on how cities, public authorities, and mobility providers can approach finding suitable solutions for the new demands of mobility management and successfully implement them in practice.
In our last conversation, you shared your insights on the latest trends in the ITS industry, how innovation can be fostered, and the role of industry associations. Now, let’s shift our focus to the current situation and the challenges that public authorities, mobility providers, and cities face today. From your perspective, how have the requirements for urban mobility management evolved in recent years?
Joost: Urban mobility is one of the main topics in the EU with more regulatory focus than ever, also considering the population growth, the sustainability chapter and the need to develop tools for equal and affordable access to transport. The domain has had significant changes in recent years with the post-pandemic landscape altering mobility patterns such as remote work reducing public transit demand and presenting challenges for agencies striving to maintain service levels amidst financial constraints and labour shortages.
Energy costs and sustainability have become central focus points too. Rising energy prices strain budgets, affecting service maintenance and infrastructure investments. Congestion and last-mile logistics also remain pressing concerns as traffic density, air pollution, and noise pollution are prompting cities to explore solutions for improved connectivity, including enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and efficient delivery systems.
Technological advancements across different mobility sectors also reshape urban cities and their mobility landscape. Autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, and real-time data analytics offer new possibilities for seamless travel experiences, integrated payment systems, and personalized route planning. What is important in this regard is the establishment of effective policies and infrastructure improvements. Well-designed public spaces and efficient transit hubs are also essential for enhancing urban mobility.
Jon: Joost has already summarized the most significant key trends and developments. In our daily conversations with customers around the globe, we experience that these topics are top of mind in all leading cities. Drawing from my own experience in the public sector, I can relate, having served as an elected official in the U.S. some years ago. Traffic management has always a top priority for my constituents, and with increasing urbanization, it remains a pressing concern today. Reducing CO2 emissions and accommodating multiple modes of transportation are now equally important to the public. Simultaneously, we face a more constrained funding environment, and I believe these trends will continue to shape the future of urban mobility management. Another point I would like to add to these perspectives is the topic of cybersecurity. It is already a crucial element concerning systems for critical infrastructure and it will play an even more important role in the future. We have to ensure that we stay ahead and continuously address the latest developments.
So, in summary, I would say that the requirements for mobility management today are significantly more diverse than they were just a few years ago. This undoubtedly adds a new level of complexity to the field.
Joost: Absolutely! Complexity is indeed a key factor here. In this context, ERTICO actively participates in the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM), where we take a leading role in the subgroup focused on creating an inclusive and sustainable future for urban mobility in Europe. Our goal is to reduce complexity by promoting a balanced approach that supports both regulatory standards and innovation.
How should this balance between regulation and innovation ideally look like, Joost?
Joost: The balance between regulation and innovation is critical in driving cleaner and greener mobility solutions. Regulations are essential for setting standards, ensuring safety, and protecting the environment. Emission standards push manufacturers to develop cleaner technologies, and infrastructure regulations drive investments in charging stations, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. However, overregulation can stifle innovation and slow the adoption of new solutions.
On the innovation side in which ERTICO bring its expertise through the co-funded project, innovation platforms and collaborative partnership, technological advances like electric vehicles, and autonomous mobility are increasingly offering greater options for cleaner and greener mobility. Together with our members from the research sector, we aim to create efficient and sustainable solutions but the challenge lies in ensuring that rapid innovation does not outpace regulations, which can lead to ethical and safety concerns. Striking the right balance requires collaboration between governments, industry, and academia among many others. This is where ERTICO play a unique role with its public-private partnership.
In summary, a dynamic interplay between regulation and innovation is essential for achieving cleaner and greener mobility. Through the use of technology and digital solutions, ITS brings the benefits of digitalisation into the transport sector, which should be adequately recognised in the European Taxonomy framework. In this context, we at ERTICO will continue to follow the developments across all domains, showing our commitment to inspiration and advocacy work, particularly in the recognition of ITS as an enabler for decarbonisation within the Taxonomy regulatory framework.
So, if a city, public authority, or mobility service provider decides to upgrade its urban mobility system, what is the best way to start for them?
Jon: When a city, public authority, or mobility service provider decides to upgrade its urban mobility system, the first step is always to define clear objectives. Each solution is unique, so it’s crucial to identify what the specific focus should be. For instance, are you prioritizing certain modes of transportation? Or is the goal to make overall mobility smoother by minimizing vehicle stops? Alternatively, are there areas that are particularly critical for safety, and should those be addressed first?
Given the diverse requirements, it makes sense to develop a project plan that breaks down the overarching goal into smaller, manageable objectives and phases. These can then be prioritized and tackled step-by-step with appropriate solutions. I also recommend conducting an analysis of the existing infrastructure to see how you can leverage current systems effectively. Not everything needs to be newly implemented; sometimes, it’s about enhancing and building upon what’s already there.
In terms of budget considerations, focusing on these aspects can help manage costs effectively. For example, in the German city of Ellwangen, we launched our Yutraffic FUSION system for more efficient traffic management. We built upon the existing infrastructure to remain cost-effective, yet the system still offers significant benefits. This example illustrates that smart improvements can make a substantial impact without necessitating a complete overhaul.
Joost: I completely agree with Jon’s perspective. Additionally, I believe that cities and private companies can significantly enhance their collaboration from the very beginning of these projects by fostering genuine dialogue and open communication. By discussing needs, challenges, and potential solutions upfront, we can build a shared understanding and create more effective partnerships.
This kind of exchange enables both cities and private companies to gain valuable insights and optimize services and solutions to better address urban mobility needs. It’s also crucial to establish supportive policy frameworks that encourage innovation, involve the private sector, and promote public-private partnerships.
