At present, Monrovia faces a number of mobility challenges, including poor road infrastructure, limited public transportation, high cost of transportation, and inadequate safety measures. These mobility challenges have a number of negative consequences, including reduced economic opportunities, increased poverty, and reduced access to healthcare and education. An exciting way for Emergi to support Liberia on its path to sustainable mobility for its citizens is working with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (or SUMPs). 

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‍“A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is a strategic plan designed to improve the mobility needs of people and businesses in cities and their surroundings for a better quality of life. ” 

The Emergi electric kekehs and our ride-hailing app are constantly collecting data, like GPS information, while we are operating our e-mobility services in Monrovia. This data, obviously collected anonymously to adhere to privacy standards and regulations, is incredibly valuable when analyzed properly. With this data we can create SUMPs, maps of Monrovia, that, after consulting other stakeholders like pedestrians and other participants in traffic, will show areas to improve mobility in Monrovia. These improvements will result in less congestion, safer roads and traffic scenarios and a more sustainable transport sector. 

Here are some specific ways that a SUMP can help resolve Monrovia’s mobility challenges:

• Recommendations to expand public transportation to make it more affordable and accessible for people; 
• Recommendations to improve the condition of the roads or create new roads in specific locations to make them more accessible;
• Recommendations to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized traffic participants;
• Recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of public transportation such as buses and other non-polluting transportation, such as Emergi e-kekehs, bicycles and walking;
• Recommendations to improve safety measures on the roads in order to reduce the number of road accidents. This could include more suitable traffic laws, improving road markings, and providing better driver education.

By taking these steps, Liberia can improve the mobility of its citizens and their quality of life by promoting a sustainable and efficient transportation system.

At Emergi, we envision a more resilient, inclusive, poverty free, and greener Liberia, and we are dedicated to contributing to that. The introduction of electric solar-powered vehicles, empowerment of female drivers, and development of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the country’s capital are only a few of many steps we will take to invest in this goal. Join us and together let’s roll into the sunny future of e-mobility in Liberia.

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