Introduction
Last week, experts gathered to discuss the future of mobility. MOBILITY ADO played a crucial role in two significant events: the second edition of Círculos MOBILITY in Puebla city and the Smart City Expo Latam Congress. These forums brought together representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society to envision technology not just as a tool but as a strategic ally for improving urban life.
Key Themes and Speakers
The discussions revolved around the theme “Technology and Operational Efficiency,” emphasizing that technology alone does not transform; it requires data, operations, governance, and most importantly, people.
Santiago Alanís – MOBILITY ADO’s Electromobility Leader
Santiago Alanís highlighted that the challenge is not merely incorporating more screens or sensors but giving them purpose. He stressed, “The crucial aspect is how we feed systems with useful, human, and real data.”
Diana Ávalos – Director of the Mexican Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (AMIVE)
Diana Ávalos discussed how seemingly simple tools, like integrated transport cards, have paved the way for sophisticated data analysis. This has enabled understanding new mobility forms, such as “care trips”: daily commutes predominantly undertaken by women, previously overlooked in transportation system design.
Juan Manuel Berdeja – Representative of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT)
Juan Manuel Berdeja emphasized a critical concern: “We talk about technology, but 60 to 70% of the vehicles in Mexican cities operate outside regulations.” He advocated for policy tariffs, standardized vehicle lifespans, and real mechanisms enabling concessionaires and operators to access more efficient and secure vehicles.
Smart City Expo Latam Congress Panel: Transition to Electromobility
Santiago Alanís participated in the panel “Transition to Electromobility: Overcoming Technical Adoption Barriers,” advocating for long-term agreements between governments, operators, and communities to implement technology effectively.
MOBILITY ADO’s Experience in Project Design, Operation, and Evaluation
Alanís shared MOBILITY ADO’s experience in designing, operating, and evaluating projects like IE-TRAM in Yucatan and the electric Metrobús Line 3 in Mexico City.
Key Challenges and Solutions
Alanís identified a critical challenge: charging infrastructure and standardization needs to prevent obstacles in electromobility advancement. He emphasized that it’s not just about having electric buses but considering charging locations, standards, power levels, and financial models.
Shared Reflections
Both events concluded that the future of mobility isn’t defined by the newest technology but by constructing sustainable, system-oriented solutions centered on people. The core of every decision, route, and kilometer traveled should reflect the understanding that “we don’t move units; we move lives.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What was the main theme of the discussions? A: The central theme was “Technology and Operational Efficiency,” emphasizing that technology alone does not transform; it requires data, operations, governance, and people.
- Q: Who were the key speakers and what did they discuss? A: Santiago Alanís from MOBILITY ADO highlighted the importance of meaningful data for technology implementation. Diana Ávalos from AMIVE discussed how simple tools have led to sophisticated data analysis, revealing previously overlooked mobility patterns. Juan Manuel Berdeja from SEMARNAT stressed the need for regulatory and infrastructural advancements in electromobility.
- Q: What was the main takeaway from the Smart City Expo Latam Congress panel? A: The panel emphasized the necessity of long-term agreements between governments, operators, and communities for effective technology implementation.
- Q: What challenges did Santiago Alanís identify in electromobility advancement? A: He identified the need for proper charging infrastructure and standardization to prevent obstacles in electromobility progress.
