The Human Factor in the Digital Future: Insights from Andreas Ekström on Mobility, AI, and Storytelling

In a special edition of Mobility Redefined, recorded live at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg, Modaxo’s Kaan Yildizgoz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with digital futurist and author Andreas Ekström. While most episodes focus on voices from the transport sector, this one takes a broader view—examining how digital evolution and human values shape the future of our cities and public life.

Andreas Ekström is no stranger to bold ideas. As a digital commentator and sought-after speaker, his insights challenge assumptions about artificial intelligence, leadership, and civic design. His key message? In a world increasingly steered by algorithms and automation, the irreplaceable power of human judgment must remain at the centre.

Keeping Humanity in the Age of AI

One of the standout themes from the episode is what Andreas calls “organic intelligence”—the nuanced, empathetic thinking that humans bring to the table. While large language models and AI tools are reshaping industries, Andreas warns that they cannot yet replicate core human functions such as leadership, empathy, and team-building.

“AI is not a miracle,” he states bluntly. “It will help us with the boring, heavy lifting… but human expertise is what gives the final product its true value.” Leaders, especially in tech-driven industries like public transport, must build cultures where human judgment is not only valued but cultivated.

The Social Need to Gather

Reflecting on the pandemic and its unexpected consequences, Andreas offers a candid look at what remote life taught us: we are fundamentally social beings. Although we adapted with Zoom calls and home studios, the return to face-to-face interaction underscored something essential—“The energy of two people getting together is irreplaceable.”

This insight is particularly relevant for urban transport and city planning. The value of public transport, he argues, isn’t only logistical or economic—it’s deeply social. Every trip on a bus or train is an opportunity for connection in a world that is growing more isolated.

Public Transport as a Political Choice

As a Swede, Andreas provides a compelling example of how transport policy can reflect civic values. With a sprawling landscape and a modest population, Sweden cannot profit from every rail line. Yet maintaining them is a political decision, not a business one.

“We believe it’s a service to the citizens no matter where they live,” he explains. The same logic applies globally: a sustainable, inclusive transport system requires political will and public support. It’s not merely about profits—it’s about building a connected society.

Algorithms Are Opinions

Perhaps one of the most resonant soundbites from the episode is Andreas’s assertion that “Every algorithm is an opinion.” For developers of transport technologies—apps, dispatch platforms, and journey planners—this is a wake-up call. Bias doesn’t only live in data; it lives in the people who design it.

He encourages transport experts to “design for what could be,” not just what historically has been. A shift toward flexible work and travel needs should influence future systems, not be hampered by old assumptions. Bias can be as subtle as assuming rush hour is static, or as structural as overlooking left-handed users in hardware design.

Storytelling in Mobility

Another fascinating dimension of the conversation is Andreas’s emphasis on storytelling—something often underutilised in the transport sector. Drawing from his journalism background, he advises mobility leaders to humanise their communication strategies.

“Go out there and recruit real travellers in your community,” he says. Let them share their frustrations, jokes, and everyday journeys. By doing so, transport providers can forge genuine connections with their users and explain complex changes—like new on-demand models or fare adjustments—in a relatable way.

Andreas also touches on a point of pet-peeve hilarity: the modern scourge of speakerphone calls in public spaces. A human-centric transport environment, he argues, must also foster respect and shared etiquette—like using headphones. These small cultural touches matter in preserving public space as social space.

Designing Cities by Values, Not Just Tech

When asked how he would design a future city, Andreas doesn’t begin with technology—he begins with values. He laments the slow disappearance of everyday retail from high streets and the loss of casual social encounters, like chatting with a cashier.

In his vision, the city of the future is first and foremost social. It’s a place where people meet, interact, and build community. Public transport plays a vital role in this, facilitating not only physical mobility but emotional and civic engagement.

He also praises innovations he’s seen in cities like Tallinn, Estonia, where local transport is free for residents and inexpensive for visitors. It’s a system built on affordability and inclusion—one that demonstrates how policy can drive equity in urban life.