We were thrilled to host Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO-ITS Europe on our recent Mobility Redefined Podcast. Mr Vantomme’s engaging conversation with Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz covered a range of topics including the future of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and autonomous mobility.
Joost Vantomme’s Vision for Intelligent Transport Systems
ERTICO ITS Europe plays a significant role in innovation for European transport, with specific focus on integrating intelligent systems across multiple transport modes. As a public-private partnership, ERTICO collaborates with more than 120 partners across Europe, facilitating projects in automation, data sharing, traffic management, AI, urban mobility, and more. The blend of public and private expertise enables ERTICO to drive forward-thinking solutions that enhance both passenger and freight transport.
Four Focus Areas Shaping the Future of Mobility
- Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM): CCAM seeks to improve the connectivity of vehicles, infrastructure, and road systems, with the goal of boosting traffic efficiency and safety. For example, connected and automated vehicles share information with each other and the infrastructure, helping traffic flow more smoothly and safely.
- Urban Mobility: As city populations grow, space and resources are increasingly stretched. Vantomme highlighted the need to “re-space” cities by prioritizing pedestrian, bike, and public transport infrastructure. Sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) are being implemented across Europe to support more eco-friendly and accessible urban transport.
- Data and AI: ERTICO is actively working on creating a European mobility data space to enable better data sharing between public and private transport providers. ERTICO works on setting up the entire architecture and data brokerage across companies with public institutions as well. This data, which includes public transport schedules, vehicle availability, and charging station locations, will be essential for AI-driven transport solutions in the future.
- Logistics and Freight: Digitalisation is also transforming freight transport, enabling better coordination and automation within the sector. From automated trucks to intelligent freight management systems, the aim is to make logistics more efficient, reducing costs and emissions.
The Promise of Autonomous Mobility
Vantomme sees exciting automation developments on the horizon. While fully autonomous vehicles are still in the future, autonomous shuttles, taxis, and even air mobility options like drones are becoming more common. Europe is leading the way in regulating and testing autonomous vehicle technologies to ensure they are safe and effective. Self-driving shuttles are already operating in controlled environments such as airports, and European cities are exploring automated valet parking to make better use of urban space.
Urban Air Mobility: Transport Takes to the Skies
ERTICO is also involved in urban air mobility, particularly with drones which are being used for logistics in Europe, moving goods quickly across ports and cities. Drones are being used in 30 ports in Europe, in main cities such as Hamburg. By launching the ITS-Driven Innovative Aerial Services (IDI) platform, ERTICO is working to integrate air mobility into existing urban transport systems, tackling issues such as space management and privacy concerns in dense city areas.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS): Towards a Seamless User Experience
Vantomme envisions a future where users can seamlessly move from one mode of transport to another through a unified system. However, creating an integrated MaaS system requires open data and interoperability among different transport providers. By supporting initiatives for open APIs and mobility roaming, ERTICO and the MaaS Alliance aim to make transport more accessible, reducing the need for private car ownership.
AI in Transport: Optimising Efficiency and Safety
Artificial intelligence is set to play a major role in future mobility systems, from managing traffic to operating automated vehicles. Vantomme sees AI as essential for handling large datasets in real-time, enabling predictive traffic management and more efficient transport operations. However, challenges remain, including the need for high-quality data, transparency in AI algorithms, and robust privacy protections.
The world of transport is transforming rapidly, and with visionary leaders like Joost Vantomme, intelligent transport systems are paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future. For more insights into these developments, listen to the full podcast episode with Joost Vantomme on Mobility Redefined.