Rafael CUESTA

Biographical note
Rafael Cuesta started his career in Colombia working as an Environmental Consultant in the development of the Medellin Metro. Since relocating to the UK Rafael has worked on the NET tram development at Nottingham City Council and in other public transport operational and policy roles at Birmingham City Council, Transport for the West Midlands and most recently at Transport for Greater Manchester as head of innovation.  Rafael holds an MA in Environmental Planning from the University of Nottingham and a post-graduate diploma in Project Management from the College of Estate Management at Reading University.  Rafael has a wide range of experience in the transport and intelligent mobility field and leads TfGM’s international co-operation programme regularly moderating round tables at conferences and other high-level policy events.

Presentation: Flexible and on demand mobility:  a lifestyle enabler
New mobility services are allowing us to reimagine public transport as a positive and attractive way of moving in our cities.  The advent of new technology such as autonomous vehicles and modern applications and platforms are allowing flexible on demand transport to become a truly modern lifestyle enabler.  With new generations looking for a seamless and uncomplicated transport experience, door to door mobility services have become the answer to the aspirations of people that don’t want to drive.  Sharing a ride and social interaction is becoming an inclusive way of creating strong and liveable communities.  The growing understanding of the strong links that exist between public realm, health and transport are forcing us to reimaging public transport as a flexible tool for making urban places socially and economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable.