Driving Sustainability in Intelligent Transportation into the Future: A conversation with Q-Free′s Vice President APAC, Silje Troseth

We recently spoke with Q-Free’s VP of APAC, Silje Troseth, to understand her insights on the status of sustainability in 2024 and the trends driving industry change across the Asia Pacific region. In this interview, she reflects on the company’s ongoing sustainability journey and shares her perspectives on the trends shaping future advancements.

What have been the key game-changers in Q-Free’s sustainability journey?

“This is a complex question because the field of sustainability is evolving so rapidly that it’s transforming our understanding of what sustainability truly means in practice.

Sustainability is shifting from being a voluntary ‘nice to have’ to an area increasingly regulated, requiring more quantification and verification, and focusing more on sustainable business models rather than just philanthropic efforts.

Given that context, I would say that Q-Free is well-positioned with a business model that inherently supports better traffic flow, reduced congestion, and increased road safety. Identifying specific game-changing moments is challenging because Q-Free has been involved in numerous sustainability initiatives. ?However, for Q-Free Australia, a key game-changer has been recognizing the need for clear prioritization among various potential initiatives, focusing on areas where we can make the most significant impact.

Our efforts have centered on optimizing purchasing practices and fostering value chain collaboration, working with stakeholders to achieve strategic progress. For example, we’ve partnered with a key customer to enhance diversity and create job opportunities for vulnerable individuals while also improving work efficiency and quality.

While we are also addressing environmental aspects, it is ultimately the dedication and expertise of our employees and partners in Australia—who are committed to adopting sustainable practices for risk reduction and for pushing the boundaries of strategic innovation—that drive our success.”

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What are the key trends in the industry that are of interest to Q-Free?

“There is a strong focus on transport decarbonization, with a regional goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This involves adopting electrified mobility solutions, integrating public transport systems, and implementing significant policy reforms to decarbonize the electricity grid and phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

For instance, in Australia, emissions from the transport sector have increased by 19% since 2005 and are projected to become the highest source of emissions by 2030. The Australian government’s plan to reach a net-zero economy by 2050 through a technology-based approach presents both a challenge and an opportunity for government and industry collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport and beyond. Q-Free is well-positioned and actively involved in projects supporting these initiatives.

Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on promoting active travel, such as walking and cycling, and enhancing infrastructure to support these modes, including e-bikes, which are effective for short-distance travel and reducing urban emissions.

Silje mentions Q-Free’s own technologies as a good example:

Our Tolling and Congestion Charging technology, deployed worldwide, enables road owners and governments to collect fees from vehicles driving in designated congestion zones during peak times, aiming to influence driver behavior and reduce peak travel. Low-Emission Zones (LEZ) go further by restricting vehicles that don't meet emission standards.

Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to air pollution. Using the polluter-pays principle, authorities can charge or fine vehicles exceeding emission standards. Our congestion charging and LEZ technologies thus enable the reduction of traffic volumes and the improvement of air quality.

Financial sustainability is another important aspect, she highlights.

With cities exploring innovative financing models to support sustainable transport projects, financial sustainability cannot go unnoticed. This involves addressing market distortions and ensuring that transport services reflect their true costs, thereby promoting more efficient and sustainable practices. Technological innovation is crucial as well, with intelligent transport systems, like those provided by Q-Free, playing a key role in optimizing traffic flow, improving user experience, and enhancing urban mobility. These trends collectively contribute to creating more sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly transport systems worldwide.

As the last, Silje also highlights the Jakarta Initiative on Sustainable and Intelligent Urban Mobility as a significant effort to transform urban transportation.

“This initiative was a key focus of the 19th ITS Asia Pacific Forum, held in May this year. It sets ambitious targets such as achieving 15-minute cities in Jakarta, increasing public transportation usage to 80%, implementing clean technology like electric vehicles (EVs), integrating public transportation, and enhancing logistics and freight delivery efficiency.

The forum also launched the Jakarta Initiative, a collaboration involving domestic stakeholders like the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), transportation associations like ITS Indonesia and ITS Asia Pacific, and the global civil society alliance represented by the 5P Global Movement. This initiative focuses on sustainability, intelligence in transport systems, and accessibility, aiming to create safe, reliable, and affordable mobility solutions for all citizens.

Additionally, the forum marked the beginning of the Electric Mobility Road to COP29 initiative, featuring a convoy of EVs traveling from Jakarta to Rome, Italy, and concluding in Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of long-distance EV travel and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.”

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What are the most exciting sustainability activities Q-Free Australia is working on right now, and what are your wishes for the road ahead?

“It’s no secret that we are optimistic about the future of our sustainability initiatives,” Silje states.

“From my perspective, the path to sustainable transportation in Australia hinges on several critical aspects. First, collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, and industry partners, is essential for the successful implementation of sustainable transport solutions. A sustainable approach in the design phase ensures that environmental considerations are integral from the outset, promoting long-term viability. Integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning can optimize traffic flow and reduce emissions, making transport systems more efficient and resource effective.

Finally, continued innovation, research, and investment in future talent and young professionals are vital for fostering new ideas and maintaining momentum towards a sustainable transportation future,” Silje concludes.

Do you want to reach more about our Tolling solutions, visit our website.