About the MOBILIZE Learning Lab

The MOBILIZE Learning Lab is a space for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and incubating solutions for sustainable urban mobility. It brings transportation planners, researchers and the STA cities into a unique network of like-minded people. MOBILIZE Learning Lab is a collaborative project between ITDP and Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF). In 2022 - 2023, the Lab focused its discussions on ‘The Future of Public Transport’ through the lens of three key topics: Funding and Finance, Equity and Transport Justice, and Resiliency. Each year the program will address a new theme to explore and expand the discussion. If you are interested in joining the cohort, contact Veronica.Ortiz@itdp.org.  

2022/2023 Deep Dives on the Future of Public Transport

The Learning Lab programming under the current theme ‘The Future of Public Transport’ consists of three virtual sessions and deep-dive discussions to explore research, solutions, and best practices from different regions. The Lab addressed topics on (1) Funding and Finance, (2) Intersection of Equity and Transport Justice and (3) The Role of Public Transport as Means to Clearing More Resilient Cities. A forthcoming state of knowledge report and a public webinar will discuss findings from the deep dive sessions.

  • September 28th, 2022

    This session looks at the role funding and finance plays in providing equitable and resilient transport. Understanding public transport to be a public good, the cohort discussed best practices for funding and financing and the policies, strategies, and schemes that need to be considered.

    The group discussed operational expenses (opex) and capital expenses (capex); informal public transport; equity and environmental impact; and trust between government, operators and the public.

    Download the Presentation

    Watch the Recording

    Read the Brief

  • November 16th, 2022

    This session looks at the interplay of equity and transportation planning in cities. The cohort discussed the different aspects of inclusive transportation planning and looked at planning for what, with whom, and how it is done.

    With the understanding that equitable public transport requires government intervention, meaningful participation from users, and changes in research and data collection, breakout groups focused on four topics:

    • Equitable fares and policies

    • Participation

    • Service design

    • Ethical data collection

    Download the Presentation

    Read the Brief

  • February 16th, 2023

    This session looks at the connection between the integrated planning approach and city resiliency. The cohort discussed what resilience means through the lens of public transport, and how the future of public transport can bolster resiliency outcomes.

    Using an equity and access framework, breakout groups gathered around four topics to discuss gaps in knowledge as well as approaches and tools that could be used to address the challenges. The breakout groups included:

    • Service design for adaptability

    • Integrated land use, active mobility and public transit planning

    • Ensuring resiliency through data and digitalization

    • People-Centric Planning

    Download Presentation (A), Presentation (B)

    Watch the Recording

    Read the Brief

  • Active mobility, namely walking, is the integral part of inclusive access. Good walking conditions correlate to increased transport ridership, as it relies on adequate pedestrian infrastructure, active pedestrian realm, and first and last mile connections that enhance access options. Good walking conditions also support safer streets and cleaner air in the city. 

    In this session, speakers discussed how walking and active transport link with the future of public transport, and explore how existing research supports the idea of a system approach where walking plays an integral role.

    Watch the recording

    Presentations:

    Iwona Alfred - Mobilize Learning Lab - Walk Roundtable

    Gladys Nyachieo - Governance and the State of Walking

    Maria Fernanda - Walking in LATAM

    Sylvester Hayker - Determinants of Active Transportation

    Smritika Srinivasan - AFC Methodology

MOBILIZE Learning Lab in Bogotá, Colombia

Over the past year, the Learning Lab has discussed and exchanged critical ideas around the future of public transport. Following the Lab’s first in-person convening in Bogotá, the 2022 STA winner, participants were able to explore potential solutions for more resilient, equitable public transport and also worked to co-create a better vision for the future. The Lab utilized a combination of place-based learning from both site visits and tours led by regional experts, deep-dive discussions, breakout sessions, and interactive spaces for both collaborative ideation and passive engagement.

The convening built on the discussions that took place in three previous roundtables to go deeper on the topics of Funding and Finance, Transport Justice, and Resilience, with the objectives of:

  1. Agreeing on definitions and the purpose of public transport;

  2. Defining the parameters and vision for the future of public transport;

  3. Identifying where more research and solutions are needed in order to develop a way forward to meet this vision.

Learn more about Bogotá’s comprehensive mobility strategies in this case study.

Read more about the June MOBILIZE convening in Bogotá here, and see below for the event agenda.

June 8 - 9, 2023

Link to full MLL Bogota Agenda:

Event Summary

  • Morning:

    9:00 - 9:30 — Welcome Remarks with a Special Address from the City of Bogotá

    9:30 - 10:00 — City as a Learning Lab: Presentations from the City of Bogotá

    Presentation

    10:00 - 11:15 — Deep Dive Q&A: Learning From Bogotá: Breakout Groups

    Presentations: Alejandra María Alvarez Orrego; Susana Morales; Camilo Urbano; María Fernanda Ramírez

    11:15 - 11:30 — Coffee Break

    11:30 - 12:00 — Evolution of the Public Transport System in Bogotá

    12:00 - 13:30 — World Café and Networking: Current Research and Emerging Themes Around Public Transport Solutions

    13:30 - 14:30 — Lunch at Hotel

    Afternoon:

    14:30 - 15:00 — Storytelling on the Green Corridor’s Participatory Planning Process

    Presentations: Carlos Pardo

    15:00 - 18:00 — The Future of Public Transport is Integrated: Public Space and Walking Site Visit

    Evening:

    19:00 — Social Dinner at Hotel

  • Morning:

    8:15 - 14:30 — The Future of Public Transport is Resilient: Public Transport Site Visit

    13:00 - 13:30 — Lunch (provided during the site visit)

    Afternoon:

    14:30 - 15:00 — Coffee Break

    15:00 - 16:30 — Deep Dive: Solutions and Next Steps for the Future of Public Transport: Breakout Groups

    16:30 - 17:30 — The Future of Public Transport Begins with Walking: Roundtable Session

    17:30 - 17:45 — Closing Remarks

    Evening:

    19:00 — Social Dinner at Hotel

Meet the Speakers