Batlle: Industry facing challenge of balancing existing and future transport infrastructure
RATP Dev’s chairwoman to deliver keynote at UITP MENA 2018
RATP Dev’s chairwoman Laurence Batlle will use her keynote address at the upcoming UITP MENA Transport Congress 2018 to speak about the challenge the industry is facing of financing the upgrade of existing infrastructure while also investing in future transport during a period of slow economic growth.
RATP Dev operates across the Middle East working on large-scale public transport systems and operations and during her speechBatlle will speak specifically about the three key steps that are critical to ensuring sustainable public transport infrastructure development and financing: firstly, that urban planning must put mass-transit transportation solutions at its core; Local eco-systems must be developed that will ensure the sustainability of new infrastructures over the long term; and finally that infrastructure must be designed not only to optimize the investment upfront, but also consider the costs over the full lifecycle of the infrastructure.
In addition, RATP colleagues will also speak at the congress on the use of data and technology in optimising public transport services; and the ‘Bus 2025’ programme during the event which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 23-25 April, 2018.
“Public transport is now at the heart of urban planning, and digital technologies are helping to create new possibilities in enhancing the passenger experience. We see this clearly in Dubai, which is rapidly emerging as the world’s smartest city, and in the wider UAE and across the region,” said Batlle ahead of the event. “The sustainability of our cities depends on efficient and sustainable public transport services for the community and this requires innovation at the outset of any public transport project, including infrastructure design and financing. For mobility companies, we now face the twin challenges of optimising existing transport infrastructure and delivering on the promise of the potential of new smart technologies. At UITP MENA Transport, we are delighted to share our global expertise, innovations and experience, which includes over 100 years of operating the public transport system in Paris.”
