Dubai’s taxi sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past three decades — evolving from unregulated, individually owned cars into a unified, technology-led system that is fully integrated with public transport. In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz meets Adel Shakeri, Director of Strategy, Planning and Business Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, to uncover the lessons behind this success.

Adel shares how RTA transitioned to a franchise model, set clear KPIs, and integrated global ride-hailing platforms into the city’s operations. He explains why safety and customer satisfaction are top priorities, how real-time data improves service, and why average taxi wait times are under 3.5 minutes for most passengers. The conversation also explores contract structures, operator responsibilities, and the importance of stakeholder buy-in for lasting reform.

For transport leaders and city planners, this episode offers practical insights on operational excellence, public–private partnerships, and preparing for innovations such as self-driving taxis and a full shift to e-hailing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mobility Redefined Podcast

00:17 Welcome and Introduction of Mr. Adel Shakeri

00:55 Dubai's Taxi Transformation Journey

02:29 Integration of Technology in Taxi Services

04:01 Franchise Model and Operational Framework

12:32 Role of Technology and Future Innovations

15:53 Advice for Other Cities and Future Vision

18:24 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Us:

Website: https://mobilityredefined.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/

Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz

Producer: Mike Cartmel

Executive Producer: Darren Turpin

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Digital Media: Belén Iturrioz Campo

Marketing content: Mike Cartmel

If you have a question or comment, email us at mike.cartmel@modaxo.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

In this episode of Mobility Redefined, Dr Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Joan Bigas, Director of Mobility for the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), about the city's bold and strategic approach to transforming urban mobility. Joan outlines Barcelona’s twin priorities of digitalisation and decarbonisation, highlighting successful initiatives such as low emission zones, electric and hydrogen buses, and the ongoing deployment of shared mobility services.

The discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges of infrastructure, procurement, and regulation – especially when balancing innovation with public interest. Joan also explains how the AMB manages governance across 36 municipalities and supports both public and private operators with the infrastructure needed for a sustainable transition.

With clear examples and honest reflections, this episode provides practical lessons for urban mobility professionals and public transport leaders navigating the future of transport in their own cities.

Chapter Timings

00:00 Introduction to Mobility Redefined Podcast

00:25 Meet Mr. Joan Bigas: Director of Mobility for Barcelona

01:33 Barcelona's Vision for Sustainable Mobility

04:52 Decarbonisation Strategies: Low Emission Zones and Superblocks

10:26 Electrification of Barcelona's Bus Fleet

14:52 Regulating Shared Mobility in Barcelona

20:05 Multimodal Integration and Mobility as a Service

21:56 Final Thoughts and Future Vision

Connect with Us:

Website: https://mobilityredefined.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/

Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz

Producer: Mike Cartmel

Executive Producer: Darren Turpin

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Digital Media: Belén Iturrioz Campo

Marketing content and Mobility Redefined newsletter: Mike Cartmel

If you have a question or comment, email us at mike.cartmel@modaxo.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

In this episode, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg, Kaan Yildizgoz is joined by acclaimed author and digital futurist Andreas Ekström. Together, they explore the profound role human judgment plays in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

Andreas shares why leadership, team-building, and social interaction cannot be replicated by AI — and why the human touch is essential to public transport, especially post-pandemic. He reflects on the hybrid nature of mobility as both a political and market-driven service and offers insights into how cities can remain socially alive in a digital-first era.

Listeners will come away with thoughtful perspectives on everything from algorithmic bias to storytelling in public sector communication — plus practical examples from Sweden, Estonia, and beyond. This episode is a call to design systems that keep people at the centre, supported — not replaced — by technology.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Special Guest: Andreas Ekstrom

01:18 The Role of Human Judgment in AI

02:51 Impact of the Pandemic on Social Interaction

04:11 Public Transport and Social Policy

07:39 The Importance of Storytelling in Mobility

10:08 Designing Future Cities

11:46 Global Perspectives on Public Transport

12:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Us:

Website: https://mobilityredefined.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/

Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz

Producer: Mike Cartmel

Executive Producer: Darren Turpin

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Digital Media: Belén Iturrioz Campo

Marketing content and Mobility Redefined newsletter: Mike Cartmel

If you have a question or comment, email us at mike.cartmel@modaxo.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.