TRA 2018 illuminates pioneering solutions for low-emission traffic
On the occasion of the opening of the Transport Research Arena 2018 (TRA 2018) this week in Vienna, Europe’s largest transport research conference, Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, organisers and sponsors commented on the main topics “Digitalisation” and “decarbonization”. This year’s motto is “A Digital Era for Transport”.
Transport Minister Norbert Hofer: “In view of the challenges we face in shaping the future of our mobility, Digital Era means one thing above all else: transformation and change through digitization and decarbonisation as defining megatrends for the mobility of the future. For an energy and mobility turnaround, it is important to apply new technology in the best possible way so as to safeguard added value, jobs and prosperity in the future. “
“Physical and new digital elements that work together perfectly will make our transport system better, safer and more reliable. The key to this is innovative communication and mobile technology. By 2023, 5G services should be available on the main traffic connections. By the end of 2025, the goal is nearly nationwide availability of 5G. On an international scale, we want to be at the forefront of digitization countries,” adds Hofer.
“A competitive transport offer for goods and people is crucial to ensure security of supply for industry and society,” said Georg Kapsch, President of the Federation of Industrialists. Cornerstones for mobility of the future are not only the drive but also mobility management and cost truth. “The question should not be which type of drive is the right one, but which one is most suitable for which purpose,” Kapsch pleaded for a technology-open approach.
He also emphasized the importance of efficient and networked mobility management in order to use the analysis of transport and infrastructure-related data to save empty kilometers and thus reduce costs and emissions. “The cost allocation should be causative, with the focus on consumption rather than engine performance – such as a kilometer-based user fee,” said Kapsch.
The TRA 2018 will be hosted by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology in cooperation with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and AustriaTech, the European Commission and the European Technology Platforms. In over 90 sessions with renowned experts from all over the world, there will be ample opportunity in the coming days to exchange information about current research results and discuss new developments across all modes of transport – from pedestrians to aeronautics. The sponsors of TRA 2018 are ASFINAG, AVL, BMW, HEREmobility, ITS Vienna Region, Kapsch, MAN, ÖBB, Plasser & Theurer, Siemens, voestalpine and Volkswagen.