David Lois, a social psychology expert, has highlighted the benefits of using sustainable modes of transportation for community ties and mental health. Speaking at the “The Emotions of Mobility” conference organized by Guaguas Municipales and La Provincia/DLP, Lois emphasized the positive impact of public transport, cycling, and walking on strengthening community bonds, improving mental health, and reducing loneliness.
The conference, which focused on the development of future cities and the role of mobility in subjective and social well-being, featured presentations by experts in the field. Lois, known as “Mobility Behavior” on social media, discussed the psychosocial benefits of sustainable transportation and emphasized the link between walkable environments and community satisfaction.
He also highlighted the negative effects of urban designs that prioritize motorized mobility, particularly on children and the elderly. Lois stressed the need for public policies to reduce residential monoculture, promote shared public spaces, and improve urban life in terms of environmental and public health.
The conference also addressed the MetroGuagua project, with Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, the general director of Municipal Guaguas, discussing the transformation of city appearance and people’s mobility habits. A technical debate table, moderated by journalist Luis Navarro, included discussions on the planning of the current network of lines and new connections with the arrival of MetroGuagua.
Rodríguez also emphasized the goal of building loyalty and bringing people closer to public transportation by providing quality service. The company has seen a record number of 48 million customers in 2023, and the goal is for people to perceive public transportation as a reliable solution to their transportation needs.
The conference aimed to shed light on the emotional and social aspects of mobility and reinforce the importance of sustainable transportation for community well-being.