#125 UITP Summit: Rethinking Mobility for People, Not Cars

In this first episode of a special UITP series—produced in partnership with the UITP Summit 2025, where BABLE is a media partner—Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), shares insights from his distinguished career in public transport and urban mobility. The conversation explores how shifts in societal expectations and climate concerns have redefined mobility planning, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance, demand-driven solutions, and sustainable innovation. Mezghani discusses the evolution of public transport policy, the impact of digitalisation and electrification, and the need for structured regulatory frameworks. He also champions gender equity in mobility leadership and emphasises the value of holistic, people-centred approaches in building smarter, more resilient cities. Don’t miss out on being part of the conversation! https://www.uitpsummit.org/hamburg2025/ Overview of the episode: [00:01:25] Teaser Question: “Can you describe UITP’s mission using just three emojis?” [00:01:48] Our guest’s background [00:05:06] Evolution of public transport and urban mobility [00:08:28] Governance challenges in public transport [00:14:53] The role and mission of UITP [00:19:46] Promising trends and visions for urban mobility [00:23:13] Misconceptions and resistance to mobility reform [00:25:03] Energy efficiency and the ‘avoid, shift, improve’ approach [00:28:58] Public transport investment vs. alternative solutions [00:33:47] The importance of gender inclusion in transport planning [00:36:31] Podcast Segment: “Roll with the punches” (this or that questions) [00:41:00] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub