Public transport systems worldwide face rising expectations on reliability, resilience, and sustainability. In this episode, Mobility Redefined explores how Singapore continues to set global benchmarks in operational excellence through long-term thinking and disciplined execution.

Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping, Group CEO of SMRT Corporation, about continuous improvement through "Kaizen," the role of people in digital transformation, and how AI-enabled depots, predictive maintenance, and real-time operations are reshaping daily performance.

From Depot 4.0 to community-focused stations and energy efficiency, this conversation offers practical insights for transport leaders looking to balance automation, workforce wellbeing, and customer trust.

Chapter Timings

00:00 Introduction to Mobility Redefined

00:27 Meet Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping: CEO of SMRT Corporation

01:49 Operational Excellence and Reliability at SMRT

05:47 Digital Transformation and Innovation

11:19 Balancing Automation with Human Experience

15:11 Elevating Passenger Experience

19:11 Sustainability and Energy Transition

21:38 Global Ambitions and Future Plans

26:02 Personal Insights and Conclusion

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.

As Mobility Redefined marks its first anniversary, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far — from thought-provoking conversations with leaders across continents to growing a community passionate about the future of transport.

Kaan reviews the highlights from the past year, including global CEO roundtables, interviews with authorities from Dubai and Singapore, and the podcast’s growing audience around the world. He also discusses the mobility sector’s most pressing trends — from decarbonisation and workforce transformation to digitalisation and governance.

Looking ahead, Kaan shares what’s next for the podcast and the sector: the move towards video, more high-level guests, and a future of mobility that’s not only smart and sustainable but also inclusive and people-centred.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration

00:36 Meet Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz

01:24 Reflecting on the First Year

05:45 Global Trends in Mobility

10:46 Future of Mobility

13:53 Looking Ahead for Mobility Redefined

15:37 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

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.

Public transport in Africa faces unique challenges and opportunities. From the dominance of informal systems like matatus to the emerging role of electrification and BRT, cities are seeking sustainable models that work for both passengers and operators.

In this episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Edwins Mukabanah, Managing Director of Kenya Bus Service Management Limited, who brings over four decades of experience across Africa and the UK. He shares the evolution of Kenya’s bus sector, the franchising model that helped organise paratransit operators, and the importance of capacity building and technology adoption.

Listeners will gain insights into Nairobi’s BRT plans, the realities of electrifying buses in Africa, and why public–private partnerships and training are key to building the continent’s next generation of public transport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 Meet Edwins Mukabanah: A Pioneer in African Public Transport

01:41 Edwins' Journey in Public Transport

03:26 Kenya Bus Services: A Unique Business Model

06:53 Challenges and Innovations in African Public Transport

17:23 Electrification and Future of Public Transport in Kenya

22:26 BRT Projects and Future Prospects

24:38 Final Thoughts and Opportunities in African Public Transport

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.

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.