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.

In this special bonus episode of Mobility Redefined, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg 2025, host Kaan Yildizgöz moderates a roundtable with some of the sector’s most influential leaders. The discussion features Alexandra Reinagl (Wiener Linien, Vienna), Jonida Halili (Deputy Mayor, Tirana), Maria Albuquerque (Carris, Lisbon), and Andy Lord (Transport for London).

Whether you're planning future infrastructure, rethinking your bus contract model, or looking to harness technology to improve operations, this episode delivers practical perspectives and proven ideas from cities leading the way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Panellist Introductions

01:31 Vienna's Mobility Vision

04:49 Adapting to Changing Travel Patterns in Lisbon

09:31 Sustainable Mobility in Tirana

14:32 London's Clean Air Initiatives

18:24 Partnerships in Public Transport

21:48 Tirana's BRT Project

25:00 Network Restructuring in Lisbon

27:17 Bus Franchise Contracts in London

31:59 Technology and Data in Public Transport

40:17 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

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 Mobility Redefined bonus episode, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg 2025, four public transport leaders share their experiences in advancing sustainability within their cities. Hosted by Dr Kaan Yildizgöz, the discussion moves beyond environmental concerns to cover funding resilience, workforce transformation, and inclusive mobility.

Panellists:

Dalene Campbell, Executive Director, City of Cape Town, South Africa

Vesa Silfver, Executive Director, HSL Helsinki, Finland

Tom Page, General Manager of DLR, Transport for London, UK

Ulf Middelberg, CEO, LVB, Germany

Host: Dr Kaan Yildizgoz

Key themes explored include post-COVID ridership recovery, lifecycle cost planning, the role of people in sustainable transitions, and the careful balance between automation and employment. This is essential listening for public transport leaders seeking pragmatic strategies to build greener, more resilient urban mobility systems.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:58 Setting the Stage: Sustainability in Mobility

02:01 Panellist Introductions

02:54 Shared Mobility and Electric Buses

06:03 Decarbonisation Efforts in London

08:13 People and Sustainability

13:51 Workforce vs. Automation

19:36 Post-COVID Ridership and Trust

24:46 Funding and Financial Sustainability

33:32 Transitioning Informal Transport to Organised Systems

38:21 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

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

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 of Mobility Redefined, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Hammam Saab, Vice President for Technical Affairs at Jeddah Transport Company, about the large-scale transformation underway in Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. As part of Vision 2030, Jeddah is redefining its mobility future with bold investments in electric buses, integrated transport networks, and user-centric services.

Listeners will learn how Jeddah’s new bus network has grown from just six lines to 14, with modern Euro V and electric vehicles, supported by air-conditioned stations and plans for Demand Responsive Transport. Hammam also discusses Jeddah’s pioneering sea taxi service, upgrades to the city’s fragmented taxi sector, and ambitions for a unified, app-based mobility solution.

With over 100,000 daily passengers at its airport during peak periods, and as a gateway for over 2 million pilgrims annually, Jeddah’s public transport planning is also tuned for global events like Haj and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. A compelling story of innovation, sustainability, and cultural shift in a city on the rise.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Spotlight on Jeddah's Transformation

02:04 Jeddah's Role in Vision 2030

03:43 Revamping Jeddah's Bus System

05:06 Innovations in Sea and Taxi Transport

07:36 Integrated Mobility Solutions

09:41 High-Speed Rail and Future Plans

10:43 Preparing for Haj and World Cup

13:28 Sustainability and Electric Buses

16:23 Cultural Shift Towards Public Transport

18:31 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

19:48 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 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 of Mobility Redefined, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). They explore how LAMATA has redefined urban mobility in Lagos, from sustainable governance and strategic transport planning to funding mechanisms that have ensured the Authority’s success for over 20 years.

Abimbola provides insight into Lagos' shift from an informal to a formal transport system. With over 75,000 informal minibuses currently operating, the transition towards mass transit solutions—such as BRT, rail, and integrated ferry systems—is pivotal for the city’s future, addressing the needs of over 22 million residents and ensuring economic and social development.

They also discuss technology’s vital role, from e-ticketing to ITS systems that make transport more predictable and efficient. Abimbola shares advice for other African cities, highlighting that the integration of informal transport is essential to delivering sustainable and scalable urban mobility solutions.

Chapter Timings

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Guest Introduction: Abimbola Akinajo

01:30 LAMATA's Role and Governance

03:49 Challenges and Strategies in Urban Mobility

06:07 Informal Transport in Lagos

08:02 Transitioning to Mass Transit

16:48 BRT and Rail Developments

21:53 Funding and Sustainability

24:56 Leveraging Technology in Transport

27:47 Final Thoughts and Advice

29:36 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 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 Episode 8 of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz is joined by Anna-Theresa Korbutt, CEO of Hamburg’s HVV, to explore how innovative leadership is transforming mobility in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities. From a uniquely complex governance model managing 28 transport companies to the game-changing Deutschland Ticket, Anna-Theresa reveals the intricacies of delivering seamless transport to millions.

Listeners will learn about HVV’s pioneering work with the HVV Switch app and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), which now boasts over half a million users. The episode also dives into Hamburg’s integration of private carpooling, its safety-focused “Safe Travels” campaign, and what to expect from the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in June 2025.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 Meet Anna-Theresa Korbutt: CEO of HVV

01:23 Understanding HVV's Governance Model

04:25 The Impact of the Deutschland Ticket

09:32 HVV Switch: Revolutionising Mobility as a Service

13:28 Innovative Initiatives in Hamburg

17:09 Ensuring Safety in Public Transport

21:37 UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg

24:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.