When Joaquín Pena, Director of Revenue at Swiftly, speaks about the future of public transportation, he sees beyond buses and schedules, with a focus ona world where data drives every decision that makes cities move.Behind the microphone at the Mobility Data Days in Paris, Joaquín shared his conviction that open, accurate, and accessible data are the cornerstones of reliable, sustainable mobility systems across the globe.
From data streams to passenger confidence
Swiftly, a U.S.-based big data platform dedicated exclusively to public transportation, supports both transport authorities and operators in transforming information into real-time reliability.
“We help ensure that estimated times of arrival are accurate, complete, and disruption-aware — so that no passenger is left waiting without information,” explains Joaquín.
Swiftly’s technology does more than display real-time bus arrivals. By analyzing historical datasets, it helps agencies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more service within the same budget. In short, it’s about making cities move smarter, not just faster.
“Our goal is to make cities move more efficiently,” Joaquín says simply — a statement that captures the essence of Swiftly’s mission.
The global challenge: too much data, too little meaning
In Joaquín’s view, the problem facing the transport sector today is not scarcity, but overload.
Across continents — from Europe to the Middle East, Latin America, and North America — public transport systems generate vast volumes of data. The challenge lies in transforming it into actionable intelligence.
“We are overloaded with data,” he says, “but what truly matters is accessibility, completeness, and accuracy.”
Without those qualities, data loses its value. Cities cannot ensure sustainability or interoperability between modes, systems, or borders.
That’s why Joaquín insists on leveraging existing data better — to enable meaningful, data-driven decisions that actually improve service for passengers.
The power of standards: GTFS, NeTEx, SIRI, and beyond
Data standards are the invisible backbone of mobility innovation. They ensure that information flows seamlessly between systems, regions, and companies.
“Standards are better than no standards,” Joaquín asserts, acknowledging the current tension between global and regional frameworks.
While GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) and GTFS Realtime have long been the de facto standards for passenger information, Europe is increasingly adopting NeTEx and SIRI under regulatory frameworks. Pena sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It’s a good and challenging time,” he says. “The key is to make standards usable — not to build standards for the sake of standards.”
For Joaquín, the guiding principle must always be the passenger. Whether using GTFS or NeTEx, the ultimate goal remains the same: provide reliable, understandable, and timely information that enhances trust and encourages public transport use.
MobilityData: building bridges in the industry
In this landscape, MobilityData plays a vital role as the neutral connector between data producers, consumers, and policymakers. As a proud member of the community, Swiftly sees MobilityData as a catalyst for collaboration.“It ensures that every organization in the ecosystem is aligned on producing standardized, accessible data,” says Joaquín. “It helps us think ahead — not only solving the challenges of today but anticipating those of tomorrow.”
By fostering dialogue across continents and disciplines, MobilityData helps translate innovation into collective progress — from local transit apps to international interoperability.
Joaquín particularly values the enablement that comes with membership: continuous learning, shared expertise, and the ability to shape industry standards in real time.
A personal note: from bus to horseback
When asked about his favorite way to travel, Joaquín’s answer reveals both practicality and nostalgia. “Definitely the bus,” he says with a smile. “I like watching the city as I move through it.” But then he adds a surprising twist: “If I had to choose a more personal mode of transportation, it would be the horse. Back in Uruguay, we used to ride a lot — it’s not efficient, but it’s my favorite.”This touch of humanity captures the spirit of someone who sees mobility not only through data, but also through experience — someone who understands that the ultimate goal of smart transport isn’t efficiency alone, but connection.
Looking ahead: smarter, more human mobility
For Joaquín Pena and Swiftly, the next frontier lies in bridging technology and empathy — ensuring that the massive potential of data serves the people who rely on it every day. As public transport systems grow more complex and interconnected, the companies and communities that can make sense of that complexity will define how cities move in the decades to come. And with companies like Swiftly helping shape that vision, the future of urban mobility looks not only smarter — but more human than ever.
