“I completely agree with Edward Glaeser that ‘cities are humanity’s greatest invention’. Here it’s easier to fall in love, easier to meet people, it’s where we can develop as people. My vision for the city is one where we can all access the opportunities of the city, in a simple and safe way. The fundamental democratic tool of cities to achieve this is public transport. I have a great passion for public transport because it makes us all equal, benefits the vulnerable and creates safety and sustainability through freeing us from solving mobility as individuals, which only leaves many people a choice between cars or motorcycles.”

Dr Alvaro Guzmán has more than 20 years of experience across the mobility sector, spanning leadership in Ecuador’s public transport institutions and international road safety consulting. He holds a PhD in transport policy development from the University of Leeds.

He is currently a Road Safety Consultant for the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP). His previous senior leadership roles in Ecuador include Executive Director of the National Transit Agency (ANT), Undersecretary of Land and Rail Transport, Secretary of Transport for Ecuador, and Operations Manager for the Quito Metro.

As Executive Director of the National Transit Agency, Alvaro tackled a critical crisis where intercity buses accounted for 12% of Ecuador’s road fatalities. By designing and executing a comprehensive, multi-institutional policy that aligned the Ministry of Transport, national police, and enforcement agencies, he delivered a historic 72% reduction in deaths within just a single year.

Alvaro grew up surrounded by Ecuador’s exceptional cultural and natural diversity, which has shaped both his commitment to equitable and just transport systems and his ability to navigate complex delivery environments. One of his areas of expertise is the intersection of power dynamics and public policy in transport. His ability to identify and effectively respond to less visible interests across institutions and stakeholder groups has enabled delivery of results.

He enjoys riding his bicycle and believes the bicycle has enormous potential to calm city life.