TRANSPORT SECTOR
By placing more individuals in fewer vehicles, we minimise the dead mileage created by empty cars on the lookout for parking
Status of urban mobility in Sri Lanka
A landscape in transition – traditional modes are embracing digital efficiency in mobility to overcome economic and infrastructural hurdles, and meet rising demand.
Kaushalya Gunaratne
MOBILITY IN THE FAST LANE
From digital platforms and data driven journeys to safer shared transport
Single biggest change shaping urban transport
The ability to access on demand and personalised journeys to meet customer requirements, ensuring value, safety, convenience and transparency.
Digital platforms redefining how people move within cities
By removing the guesswork from commuting through upfront pricing, predictable waiting times and GPS navigation.
Role of data in improving everyday commutes
Data enables demand and supply to meet at the right price, enabling preferences to be matched better to ensure both the rider and driver experience is great.
Affordability in driving adoption of new mobility solutions
Mobility is an important lever of the economy and it must be accessible to every citizen.
Current infrastructure gap affecting urban mobility
The absence of integrated multi-modal hubs for seamless transitions between trains, buses and ride hailing services in key urban cities, and the necessity for dedicated pick-up zones in high density urban locations.
Influence of traffic congestion patterns on mobility innovation
It pushes us to optimise existing road space through smarter routing, and highlights the importance of shared vehicle usage and need for ride hailing.
Technology’s role in improving road safety
Setting driving hour limits for road safety with apps monitoring rest compliance and reminding drivers to take breaks.
Effective technology that can enhance passenger security
Multiple in-app safety features – such as ride checks, PIN verification, trusted contact sharing, number anonymity, audio recording and women rider preference – enhance the safety of both riders and drivers.
Mobility solutions to better support women passengers
In-app safety features empower women to travel securely anytime, underscoring the need for mobility solutions to continually enhance safety and ensure freedom to move.
Ways to encourage female participation in the workforce
Breaking stereotypes, highlighting the safety and flexibility of platform based driving, and targeted financial literacy programmes to encourage motivation.
Flexibility in mobility that creates economic opportunities for women
It enables the gig economy to align with life’s priorities, rather than life conforming to a shift or scheduled working hours.
Impact of urban mobility on tourism experiences
A safe, reliable and transparent transport system serves as a vital connector, enabling tourists to appreciate global standards locally while conveniently accessing destinations within and beyond the city.
Importance of first and last mile connectivity for visitors
It’s vital and ensures that the benefits of tourism reach the smallest local shops including remote stays.
Modern tourist expectations from city transport systems
Seamlessness, cashless payments and a standard of safety they recognise from back home.
Contribution of mobility services to an inclusive tourism economy
Tourism extends beyond luxury stays and mainstream attractions, with mobility services connecting travellers to local homestays and off route experiences.
Main regulatory challenges facing urban mobility
Developing a proactive framework and regulations, which foster innovation and accelerate tech adoption.
Effective collaboration with policymakers and mobility providers
Through public-private partnerships (PPPs) that utilise platform data for improved urban planning, and ensuring better first and lastmile connectivity.
Readiness of cities for electric or low emission options
The intent is evident, yet infrastructure and regulatory support is needed to make electric vehicle (EV) mobility a daily reality.
Mindset shift in moving people away from private vehicle dependence
Private vehicles have long been viewed as status symbols but the emerging shift is towards seeing mobility as an on demand utility.
Shared mobility for optimising limited urban road space
By encouraging more individuals in fewer vehicles, we minimise the dead mileage created by empty cars on the lookout for parking.
Critical skills for the future workforce
Digital agility, machine learning and AI driven service solutions, and an understanding of green energy systems.
Assisting cities in responding better during emergencies
By serving as a real-time logistics network to move aid and people during crises, and emergency SOS integrations that link riders directly to local authorities.
A smart city from a mobility perspective
A city where every transit point is interconnected, and artificial intelligence led traffic control ensures a seamless and efficient transportation system.
Kaushalya Gunaratne is the Country Head (Mobility) of Uber Sri Lanka.
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