Ecomobility

Tehran, with a population of nearly 8 million people, is rising to the challenge of addressing congestion through a variety of integrated approaches. A plan with a long-term vision of improving the public transportation system has been implemented, and the city has begun the process of reducing fuel subsidies. The modal share of public transportation has already increased as a result of these efforts, and the public transportation system has become more efficient as well. Mr. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Mayor of Tehran, will present the city's current situation and challenges, as well as the master transportation plan and achievements at EcoMobility Changwon 2011.

Changwon City and ICLEI are looking for 12 pioneer cities worldwide that are eager to take on the challenge of becoming cities of EcoMobility excellence. The EcoMobility Alliance will be a select group of ambitious cities from several continents that have achieved excellent results in certain dimensions of sustainable mobility, and that strive to reach similar results in other EcoMobility fields as a way to increase the share of non-motorized or public transports. The vision is that of vibrant cities where citizens can enjoy a high quality of life and access goods, services, people and information in a sustainable way. Be invited to be among the 12 founding cities of the EcoMobility Alliance, which will be launched on 23 October 2011 at the EcoMobility Changwon 2011 congress.

From the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, to the extensive dedicated bike path networks, Bogotá is full of examples of EcoMobility. The city's bicycle paths and bicycle parking facilities are integrated with the TransMilenio system, thus encouraging intermodality. Additionally, “Car Free Days“ that restrict the mobility of cars with certain license plate numbers during peak hours, thus giving priority to non-motorized and public transport and reducing urban congestion. Bogotá will be represented at EcoMobility Changwon 2011, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the city's experiences and achievements.

Though historically Bangkok has been notorious for its massive traffic jams, the city is making efforts to reduce congestion and improve the modal share of alternatives to the car. Bus and rail systems are in place and the city is working toward lessening car dependence. A modal shift in such a highly populated city (more than 8 million people), can lead to great improvements in quality of life in the area. Jate Sopitpongstorn, Adviser to the Governor of Bangkok, will present Bangkok's achievements in EcoMobility in a parallel session on overcoming barriers at EcoMobility Changwon 2011.

Tokyo's highly developed traffic management policies contribute to making the city the efficient metropolis it is today. Transportation in Tokyo is famous for being clean and efficient, as well as for incorporating cutting-edge technologies in mobility. In addition to boasting one of one of the world's most extensive urban rail networks, the city has park and ride public transportation infrastructure, decentralization of transport demand, and advanced signal control optimization in place. At EcoMobility Changwon 2011, the city of Tokyo will present the strategies that preceded its achievements and the city's plans and goals for the future.

Munich's population benefits from one of the world's exemplary transportation systems, with comprehensive and punctual public transportation, and cycling and walking widely recognized alternatives to motorized transport. For the past few decades the city has invested heavily in expanding the cycling network. Now, Munich Munich has set the ambitious goal of becoming Germany’s Number 1 Cycling City. This target is being pursued via improvements in infrastructure and a marketing campaign. At EcoMobility Changwon 2011, Johannes Link from the International Mobility Center at Green City e.V. will speak about Munich's cycling campaign, including recent developments in the city's cycling infrastructure

Founder of Zipcar, Robin Chase will give a video presentation at EcoMobility Changwon 2011 during parallel session B1: "Shared transport and services to promote EcoMobility."Zipcar, the largest car sharing company in the world, has systems in many cities including Boston, London, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington D.C. Car sharing has been associated with reduced car use and increases in alternative modes, as it empowers users to reconsider their travel options. Chase is currently a Board member for the World Resources Institute, on the US Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems Program Advisory Committee, a member of the World Economic Forum's Transportation Council, and a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.