Marta Serrano has had an outstanding career in public transport, leading initiatives that prioritise sustainable mobility and gender equity in Spain. Her passion for public transport began over a decade ago when she discovered the sector’s potential to create equitable urban environments. Her dedication led her to pivotal roles, including directing MT Madrid, leading Valencia’s public bus company as CEO, and now her current role as Secretary General of Land Transport in Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
Spain recently faced devastating floods that challenged its infrastructure. Marta shared how the Ministry efficiently addressed these challenges, showcasing the resilience of the transport system. More than 300 personnel mobilised to restore services, showcasing the fast and effective responses that are essential when facing such calamities. Yet, she emphasises the need for cities to rethink protocols to better prepare for future climate events.
Enhancing Climate Resilience
With extreme weather events in Europe increasing by 60% over the last three decades, it is critical to prepare transport systems for climate challenges. Marta advises cities to reassess response protocols, improve infrastructure resilience, and embrace innovative solutions. The focus should shift towards public transport solutions over personal vehicles – as evidenced by Spain’s recent loss of around 100,000 cars in flood-affected areas.
Advancing Spain’s Rail Network
Spain’s high-speed rail network is already the second largest globally – and there are plans for yet further expansion. Marta outlined projects on the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, primarily funded by contributions from the European Union. These infrastructure investments enhance connectivity and bolster freight transport capacity—a current area of improvement for Spain.
Decarbonising Public Transport
Transitioning to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles is at the forefront of Spain’s efforts to decarbonise public transport. Marta highlighted the importance of mixed technology solutions, for example, using hydrogen for long-haul buses and electric vehicles for urban transport, reinforced by necessary infrastructure enhancements.
Prioritising Active Mobility
Active mobility plays a central role in reducing emissions. Spain’s legislation focuses on expanding low-emission zones and integrating more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly spaces. Financial incentives for personal and public bike systems complement these initiatives, supporting the shift towards greener urban mobility.
Gender Equality in Transport
Gender inclusion remains a significant focus. Marta, a co-founder of Women in Motion Spain, emphasised the need for increased female representation in the workforce and consideration of women’s transit needs. Promoting safer, more inclusive transportation environments is essential, and Spain is taking steps with guidelines for gender-inclusive infrastructure development.
Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Mobility
In closing, Marta asserted the importance of promoting and investing in public transportation. As leaders in the sector, there is a collective responsibility to ensure that the public transport systems we build today cater to future generations. Public transport is the lifeblood of modern economies, continually connecting people, businesses, and opportunities.
Join Marta Serrano Balbuena as she shares her expert insights on building a sustainable, inclusive transport future in Spain. Listen to the full episode below or wherever you get your podcasts—just search for “Mobility Redefined.”