ITS World Congress Dubai 2024 – Highlights from Trapeze

Revolutionising Mobility at the ITS World Congress 2024: AI, Decarbonization, and Data-Driven Solutions

The 30th ITS World Congress 2024, hosted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), was a groundbreaking event that attracted over 20,000 participants. Throughout the five days, global mobility leaders gathered to explore cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping the future of urban transport.  

Technology Highlights: Innovation Across the Mobility Spectrum 

Throughout the congress, a wide range of innovative mobility technologies were showcased, including Automated Driving, Drones, Traffic Management, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). These emerging technologies are paving the way for smarter, safer, and more responsive urban transportation systems. Sessions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in traffic management and e-Mobility highlighted how cities are moving towards electrification and cleaner transport solutions. 

Micromobility solutions, such as e-scooters and bicycles, were also a focal point, underscoring the growing importance of flexible, small-scale transport options. Meanwhile, advancements in mobility apps and payment systems are transforming how passengers interact with public and private transport services, offering more seamless and integrated mobility experiences. The emphasis on these technological innovations reflects the transportation industry’s trajectory toward more integrated and user-friendly urban mobility systems. 

Our Presence: Leading the Conversation on Urban Mobility Innovation 

Trapeze’s parent company, Modaxo, played a prominent role in several key sessions at the congress. As the Executive Director of Business Growth at Modaxo, I had the honor of speaking at the session titled Urban Mobility Innovation: Digitalisation and Smart Infrastructure. During this session, I focused on how digitalization is reshaping urban transport, particularly in regions like the Middle East, where rapid urbanization demands efficient and forward-thinking mobility solutions. 

The session highlighted how intelligent transportation systems can drive improvements in passenger satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and extend the lifecycle of transportation assets. One of the session’s key takeaways was that digitalization isn’t just a technological shift—it’s a vital enabler for cities aiming to meet the demands of modern urban mobility. By leveraging data-driven insights and deploying smart infrastructure, cities can optimize their transport networks to ensure both efficiency and sustainability. 

In this context, Trapeze Middle East’s taxi solution, widely deployed in Dubai, demonstrates how intelligent systems can transform urban transport, providing real-time fleet management, predictive maintenance, and enhanced passenger services. These innovations extend beyond taxis to buses, trains, and other urban mobility modes, forming a cohesive, integrated mobility ecosystem. For those interested in learning more about global taxi transport trends, my Whitepaper on Reforming Taxi Transport Globally offers deeper insights. 

Launching the ITS Middle East Chapter: A Key Milestone 

A special highlight for Modaxo at the ITS World Congress 2024 was exploration meeting about the launch of the ITS Middle East Chapter, a pivotal initiative I am proud to lead in an advisory role to ITS Europe-ERTICO. This new chapter is designed to foster collaboration and innovation among ITS stakeholders across the Middle East. The side event we hosted during the congress brought together a diverse group of participants, including government authorities, academics, industry leaders, and consultants, all united in their goal to advance intelligent transportation systems in the region. 

Discussions during the event focused on three key areas: capacity building, knowledge transfer, and regional standardization. These areas are critical for deploying ITS solutions tailored to the Middle East’s unique needs, where rapid urbanization and population growth present both challenges and opportunities. Through collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the ITS Middle East Chapter aims to accelerate the adoption of intelligent transportation systems, making mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable across the region. 

Key Insights and Takeaways from the ITS World Congress 2024 

The ITS World Congress 2024 provided a wealth of insights and observations from the various sessions and discussions, offering fresh perspectives on addressing the pressing mobility challenges cities face today. 

Several key takeaways emerged from the sessions: 

    • The role of AI in mobility: AI is increasingly central to traffic management, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Whether through pedestrian detection, adaptive traffic control, or predictive maintenance, AI-driven solutions are enabling cities to optimize their transport systems in ways previously unimaginable. For a detailed exploration of this topic, check out Modaxo’s latest paper on The Role of Artificial Intelligence in People Transportation. [https://modaxo.com/insights-into-transportation-technology/role-ai-people-transportation/] 
    • Decarbonization: The adoption of electric vehicles, integration of clean energy sources, and the push toward zero-emission public transport were key topics. Sustainability is now a necessity rather than a goal, and intelligent transport systems are at the heart of this transformation. 
    • The importance of data sharing: Many sessions emphasized the need for robust data-sharing frameworks to unlock the full potential of ITS. By collaborating across sectors and regions, cities can harness the power of data to create more resilient and adaptable mobility solutions. 
    • Drones and autonomous systems: Discussions on drones and autonomous systems emphasized the need for strong regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to support their deployment. These technologies are set to transform urban logistics and transport, improving efficiency and safety, and redefining modern mobility. 

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Intelligent Mobility 

The ITS World Congress 2024 in Dubai was a powerful reminder of the exciting future awaiting the transportation industry. For Modaxo, the event provided an invaluable platform to showcase our cutting-edge solutions, engage with industry leaders, and contribute to shaping the future of mobility through intelligent transportation systems. 

The successful launch of the ITS Middle East Chapter marks a new era of collaboration and innovation for the region, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. As we look ahead to future ITS congresses, including next year’s event in Atlanta, we remain committed to driving the next generation of mobility solutions, helping cities become more connected, sustainable, and accessible. 

For those wanting to hear more about the outcomes of the ITS World Congress, stay tuned for a special podcast featuring Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO-ITS Europe, hosted by Modaxo, which will be published soon. 

Contact Us

Did you make it to the ITS World Congress in Dubai? Let’s continue the conversation! 

If you couldn’t attend, our team would be delighted to share their personal insights from Dubai, including the issues that were trending in presentations and on the conference floor. 

We love to talk about technology solutions that support sustainability, accessibility, and enhanced connected journeys so get in touch with us today.

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Dr. Kaan Yıldızgöz

Executive Director, Modaxo

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