The International Rail Forum for North America facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices, bringing the region into a global discourse about the latest trends in the industry.

Following the success of the inaugural meeting in 2016, the 2017 edition will take place on December 7-8 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the Forum is “Public Transit as a Business”, focusing on funding streams, investment, and public-private partnerships. The sessions will feature global success stories, case studies, and discussions with industry leaders.

Ahead of the event, we sat down with Robert Puentes, President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation, to discuss mobility challenges in North America and innovation in the sector.

Can you tell us how public transport is leading the mobility transition?

I think right now that public transport is leading the large transitions that are happening all across the world. We’re going through a period of dramatic transition – in terms of the global economy, demographics, and of course technological developments. These changes are affecting every aspect of the public transport environment.

It’s natural for public transport agencies to lead the transition, as they are usually rooted in centre cities and provide access to economic opportunities, connecting people with jobs. Also the industry has always been very technologically focused, meaning that the sector is perfectly positioned to lead the transition.

Can you discuss a specific contribution of public transport to solving current mobility problems?

One thing that public transport is doing to ease mobility problems is beginning to partner with other firms, particularly private firms, which brings a significant amount of innovation to the sector. Bringing in tech firms that are providing ride sharing services, bike-share, car-share, new routing software, means that public transport agencies can take advantage of this innovation.

What is your opinion on public-private partnerships in the sector?

For me, the most interesting thing is how the public and private sectors are working together with true partnerships, not just transactions, not selling off assets, but truly working together to solve problems that cities are dealing with. Public agencies and the private sector, cities, they are all working together and I think that is a positive thing.

Tell us about some of the key challenges facing North America concerning public transport, and how the area is responding.

In North America, the biggest problem is declining ridership. We’re seeing this in almost every single metropolitan area, particularly with regards to the bus system. A large number of people are leaving public transport and we’re not sure exactly why. But this is a significant problem that the sector must deal with. On top of that, we have declining levels of service, and infrastructure that is well beyond its life. We need to reinvest in the system to bring back riders in order to stabilise the sector.

These problems provide an exciting climate for experimentation and innovation. Cities are not sitting around waiting for public transport problems to be solved, but getting out there and engaging in pilot projects. These experiments will provide models for the whole world to follow.

How can innovation in public transport solve some of these problems?

The current model of most public transport agencies is rooted in the 1950s, so it desperately needs an upgrade so that it can face the challenges of today. Cities today look nothing like they did a generation ago, so we have to make sure that the transport agencies take advantage of new technological developments to serve 21st century passengers.

Register here to join the conversation at the International Rail Forum for North America in Washington D.C. this December!

Watch the full interview with Robert Puentes below!

Following the positive results of the European Bus System of the Future project (EBSF) about the development of standard on-board IT architecture for buses, the Information Technology for Public Transport (ITxPT), founded in 2015, continues to support the full interoperability of IT systems in public transport applications. The cooperation between the association and the EU-funded projects is continued now within EBSF_2, coordinated by UITP.

A very important step towards this goal was the release of the ITxPT Technical Specifications 2.0 in November 2017. The new specifications refer to data sharing between buses and the back-office systems, and also specify standards on how to format this shared data. ITxPT Specifications are used by PTAs (public transport authorities) and PTOs (public transport operators) as tender requirements, and industry suppliers to design and develop products using ITxPT standards. The pioneer in this field is RUTER, the Public Transport Authority of Oslo, which refers to the ITxPT Specifications as requirements in a recently issued tender.

Anders Selling, ITxPT Secretary General, highlights the importance of the ITxPT v2.0 release: “ITxPT 2.0 directly supports deployment in the field. The response from public transport authorities, operators as well as suppliers has been very positive and we grow quickly as an association right now. I am convinced that ITxPT will add great value to all stakeholders as it is now implemented.”

In a next step, deployment guidelines will be updated and available in January 2018. ITxPT Technical Specifications and Deployment Guidelines are available on the ITxPT Wiki Documentation Centre. Request public access here.

For further information, please read the complete article here.

Are you interested in innovative IT solutions in public transport? Do not miss IT-TRANS 2018, the leading conference and exhibition in the exchange and advancement of IT solutions in public transport taking place from 6 to 8 March 2018 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Register now!
 

Following the positive results of the European Bus System of the Future project (EBSF) about the development of standard on-board IT architecture for buses, the Information Technology for Public Transport (ITxPT), founded in 2015, continues to support the full interoperability of IT systems in public transport applications. The cooperation between the association and the EU-funded projects is continued now within EBSF_2, coordinated by UITP.

A very important step towards this goal was the release of the ITxPT Technical Specifications 2.0 in November 2017. The new specifications refer to data sharing between buses and the back-office systems, and also specify standards on how to format this shared data. ITxPT Specifications are used by PTAs (public transport authorities) and PTOs (public transport operators) as tender requirements, and industry suppliers to design and develop products using ITxPT standards. The pioneer in this field is RUTER, the Public Transport Authority of Oslo, which refers to the ITxPT Specifications as requirements in a recently issued tender.

Anders Selling, ITxPT Secretary General, highlights the importance of the ITxPT v2.0 release: “ITxPT 2.0 directly supports deployment in the field. The response from public transport authorities, operators as well as suppliers has been very positive and we grow quickly as an association right now. I am convinced that ITxPT will add great value to all stakeholders as it is now implemented.”

In a next step, deployment guidelines will be updated and available in January 2018. ITxPT Technical Specifications and Deployment Guidelines are available on the ITxPT Wiki Documentation Centre. Request public access here.

For further information, please read the complete article here.

Are you interested in innovative IT solutions in public transport? Do not miss IT-TRANS 2018, the leading conference and exhibition in the exchange and advancement of IT solutions in public transport taking place from 6 to 8 March 2018 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Register now!
 

Addressing the challenges and opportunities linked to any major sector always requires a collaborative effort.

By joining forces with public transport colleagues, we can consider what is necessary to place urban mobility on top of the agenda.

Urbanisation was the objective, notably emissions and congestion, as UITP, UNIFE and the European Committee of the Regions held a joint Conference (Brussels, 11 September 2019) to consider the ways in which urban and regional rail projects could help solve these issues.

Led by opening remarks from European Committee of the Regions President Karl-Heinz Lambertz, Deputy Director of UITP’s European Department Annika Stienen and Philippe Citroën, Director General of UNIFE, esteemed sector colleagues gathered to hold a spirited discussion on funding and finance for the European rail sector.

“The sector is very important to Europe…investment and competitiveness is key.” said Philippe Citroën, Director General of UNIFE

With an audience including UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani and Deputy Director of UITP Europe Artur Perchel, the opening political address also heard from Mikael Nyberg of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU, on several important sectoral topics making waves, such as the sharing of data and Mobility as a Service.

Proceedings, moderated by Jacqueline Spuijbroek, EU Regional Representative Zuid-Holland, continued with an expert viewpoint on urban mobility from Alan O’Brien of JASPERS, the Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions from the European Investment Bank, on how to build the case for urban rail systems.

“We all know the importance of public transport and investment is always needed. In Europe, light rail systems carry annually 10 billion people. This is 10 times the number of passengers traveling by air. The future is bright for urban rail."said Annika Stienen, Deputy Director of UITP Europe

The significant economic, environmental and social benefits to developing urban mobility are numerous – and investment is always needed to meet these challenges head on.

Understanding how the new regional development and cohesion policy beyond 2020 can contribute to achieving a greener, carbon-free, and fully-connected Europe, was the topic for the panel session which followed.

With 2021-2027 best practices and prospects considered, panellists including Ciaran Cuffe, MEP and member of the European Parliament Transport Committee, Wojciech Bartelski, CEO of Warsaw Trams and Vincent Leiner of DG REGIO, focused on the different funding lines available and how to best deliver a mobility system for the future.

“I know the importance of a great transport network for city life…I will champion urban mobility in my new role." said Ciaran Cuffe MEP, Member of the European Parliament TRAN Committee

Our Conference closed with knowledge shared and solid support for the need to have ongoing investment in a strong, European urban rail sector.

As discussions regarding the next financial framework continue, moving people around our cities with ease should be always be at the heart of any discussion on urban investment.

With mobility in mind, UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani and European Committee of the Regions Karl-Heinz Lambertz used the occasion of the Conference to jointly sign UITP’s Mobility Manifesto encouraging all European decision makers to place #MobilityOnTop of the political agenda.

Catch up on the day’s full proceedings with our live feed from the event!

 Read more about our manifesto signing and pledges in our news and press release updating on our leading MobilityOnTop! Campaign 

The urban mobility landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation with the emergence of three distinct game-changers: shared, autonomous and electric…

And next year you can be part of that visionary change by contributing toward the MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2020.

The MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition is the premiere and most attended public transport event held in the region since 2007, in partnership between UITP and Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA).

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is taking the latest transformations in its stride to provide testing grounds and lead innovation on many public transport fronts.

While cities around the world are expanding, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is leading efforts to provide testing grounds and to stimulate the culture of innovation in public transport. 

With the backdrop of this transformation our theme for2020 edition will be “Building the Future of Mobility” was announced in July. 

The event aims to highlight the growing trends, developments, projects and successes in the Middle East and North Africa region by bringing together the leading industry figures and best minds from the public transport sector.

Now UITP is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Contributions for the MTCE 2020 edition - as alongside our new theme, we’re looking for your new ideas!

The list of topics have been announced and should serve as your guide for submitting an Abstract:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Big Data
• Safety & Security
• Smart Mobility Management
• Service Excellence
• Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
• Clean Bus
• Livable Cities  
• Smart governance
• Innovative financing (&PPPs)
• Talent Management
• Non-motorised Travel

Are you interested in becoming involved in the 2020 MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition? Then answer our call today!

Submissions can address any mode of transport including traditional and new modes in urban mobility.

Submit your abstracts by 15 October 2019

Visit the dedicated site #MTCE2020 for news as it develops!

Following the success of our MobilityOnTop! campaign, UITP is now presenting concrete actions to implement the EU Mobility Manifesto and achieve a modal shift to sustainable public transport.

By creating a list of concrete actions, UITP will help EU decision makers improve mobility and the quality of daily life for all European citizens by achieving a modal shift to sustainable public transport.

UITP is now calling on EU decision makers to translate these priorities into concrete actions and to recognise the major role public transport plays in our lives and cities.

This list of actions is based on the four priorities identified in our Mobility Manifestolaunched in February ahead of the European elections.

The campaign has been a great success, as we have received the support of more than 300 signatures , including almost 40 MEPs.

More than two million people in Europe are directly employed in the public transport sector.

Public transport plays a major role in the life of cities and is also a key factor in the fight against climate change. As such, it should be supported by the new European Commission which defined the Green Deal, digitalisation and a social economy closer to citizens as main priorities.

See UITP’s Priorities for EU Policy 2019-2024 in full

Read more about our European priorities in the official press release

Pledge your support for MobilityOnTop!

For more information on UITP at the European level visited our dedicated site

How can we use the potential of automated vehicles to improve urban mobility? It was this question posed by Keynote Speaker Yann Leriche that captured well the essence of the first Automated Mobility Conference, held in Brussels on 24 October.

As set out in UITP’s Policy Brief on AVs, automated vehicles can provide huge potential to our cities when integrated into the public transport system, but various questions must been raised before AVs will actually appear on our roads. With this thought in mind, UITP in 2018 launched the SPACE project, aiming to place public transport at the centre of the AV revolution and paving the way towards a combined transport ecosystem.

The Conference was opened by Johannes Fischer PhD, Delegate of the Germany Ministry of Transport of Baden-Württemberg to the EU. In his introduction, he mentioned the need for a common regulatory framework for AVs in Europe, saying that lack hereof could end up producing more traffic on our roads than is currently the case.

In his keynote speech Yann Leriche of Transdev North America, highlighted that while AVs provide great technology, it is up to cities to truly use their potential. “The truth is, we can’t be sure of the real impact AV technology will have on our cities. The potential is there, but it is up to us to decide what we do with it.”

During the day, various sessions were held shedding light on AVs from very different perspectives. The high-level discussion on AV strategy in leading cities welcomed five representatives from Singapore, Oslo, London, Shenzhen and Hamburg to the stage. Moderated by Timothy Papandreou (Emerging Transport Advisors, USA), the session clarified that all cities have different expectations from AVs.“In Singapore, a big win from AVs can be on the accessibility front: they can release green, urban and community space. Important here is that AVs should be fleet-owned and not privately owned”, said Jeremy Yap of Land Transport Authority. Also in Shenzhen, accessibility was mentioned as a possible advantage of AVs: “In a huge city like Shenzhen where population is spreading quickly, first and last mile is a huge issue. AVs can help to solve this issue”, according to Joe Ma from Shenzhen Bus Group.

Another session shed light on the technical challenges that are still faced when integrating AV services in public transport operation. Amongst other things, we need to work on new vehicle design such as Scania with their NXT modular vehicle or Navya with HD mapping. Also essential are common standards and interfaces to allow interoperability and integration into existing public transport systems, like Transdev is doing in Rouen (France).  

The third session provided an international overview of shared automated mobility pilots and services, aiming to show that public transport is at the heart of the autonomy revolution. We heard from cities where vehicles are running on the streets today - Finland and Norway are even preparing to take out the ‘safety driver’ from the vehicle in the coming months.

It’s all about public space - we need to ensure that we reinvent the hierarchy of space allocation

Shared automated vehicle services will co-exist with other modes of transportation like walking, cycling, public transport … but how will the general acceptance of this new mode of transportation be? This was the main question during the session on public acceptance of AVs. “It’s all about public space,” emphasised Bronwen Thornton, CEO of Walk 21. “We need to ensure that we reinvent the hierarchy of space allocation.” The discussion also showed the importance to bring together behavioural scientists to build the mobility systems of the future taking into account the needs of all users.

Some final learning points were given by UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani, who insisted that only a large diversity of stakeholders working together will be able to overcome the challenges ahead and lead the way to a future where shared AVs will help to build more liveable and attractive cities. Partnerships are the key. “The more you talk about technology, the more you need to put people and users at its heart.”

Explore more automated vehicle pilots and initiatives on our SPACE website!

Do you want your AV pilot to be on the Progress Map? Contact space@uitp.org to have your initiative listed!

Transport represents almost a quarter of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and is one of the main causes of air pollution in cities.

With climate change a serious concern for Europeans, UITP has addressed an open letter to the incoming President and Executive Vice President of the European Commission outlining the role public transport can play towards a climate-neutral Europe.

In their capacity as President and Executive Vice President responsible for the European Green Deal, UITP’s European members would like to bring to the attention of Ursula von der Leyen and Frans Timmermans the key role that the urban, suburban and regional public transport sector can play in making Europe and its citizens net carbon neutral by 2050.

In her political guidelines published in July 2019, Ursula von der Leyen, the new President of the European Commission, committed to propose a European Green Deal in her first 100 days in office with the aim to make the EU climate neutral by 2050.

With the new European Commission taking office on 1 December 2019, now is the perfect time to highlight the role of public transport in helping to reach these objective.

UITP welcomes this goal and is ready to fully contribute to the objectives of the Green Deal.

We are convinced that the fastest and most cost-efficient way to decarbonise people’s daily mobility - and reduce the carbon footprint of their mobility choices - is to promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling.

With the support of the EU Green Deal, the public transport sector can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at the latest by 2050 in a cost-efficient manner.

The Open Letter was adopted by the UITP European Union Committee and endorsed at the international level by the UITP Policy Board.

Read UITP’s Press Release on our Open Letter to President von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Timmermans

See UITP’s European Priorities for EU Policy for 2019-2024!

For more information on UITP at the European level visited our dedicated site.

Follow UITP Europe onTwitter
 

When UITP began our “One Planet, One Plan” campaign in September we knew that a pivotal moment in the journey of #ONEPLANet would be COP25 in Santiago, Chile.

Well as it turns out, our friendly little globes didn’t need to travel as far as originally planned as due to some last-minute changes, the UNFCCC found a new location for the climate talks in Madrid, Spain.

The success of the campaign to encourage decision-makers to place public transport and climate action at the heart of the political agenda has been incredible…with Ministers, Mayors and the media jumping aboard. We’ve had ringing endorsements from around the world!

So when it came time to set up camp at COP25– via the train with our Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani– we had trouble knowing where to begin.

How about somewhere near the beginning…

According to the United Nations, 55% of the world population lived in cities in 2018 - and UN forecasts this percentage to increase up to 80% by 2050.

Transport is currently responsible for about one fifth of the global CO2 emissions, so it’s clear that a lot of work needs to be done.

UITP and our international membership know the vital role public transport plays in delivering climate action, and this year, we knew that our presence at COP would be more active and influential than ever before.

Our #ONEPLANet climate campaign contains a four step plan to lower emissions and clean the air in our cities.

We were ready to showcase it to the world in at COP25 and on 2 December, in Madrid, Spain, and so we arrived determined to advocate for the involvement of their sector in fighting climate change.

The UITP team was led by our President Pere Calvet and Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani, and alongside our Director of Advocacy and Outreach Dionisio Gonzalez and Sustainable Senior Manager and Climate Lead Philip Turner, we were busy coordinating, advocating and communicating throughout the proceedings during the transportation thematic events and discussions in Madrid.

From the official Transport Days, to our side-event with partners, and meetings with ministers, mayors, tointerviews with our Sec Gen and El Pais newspaper and our President on television and radio, UITP’s message on advancing publlic transport was heard loud and proud with our #ONEPLANet campaign.

Public transport should be at the heart of the global climate talks. And with the mantra,“I prescribe you a massive dose of public transport”, our schedule was heavy with hope and determination.

According to the wise words of our Secretary General, COP is all about connecting people, and through our involvement on panels and presentations, alongside sectoral partners such as UNDESA,UNHABITAT,uic, SLoCaT, Ren21 and figures such as the Spanish Transport Minister, the Mayor of Copenhagen and the High-Level Champion for COP25, our time was well spent and our message was clear. You can hear from many of our global ambassadors in their own words here.

Plus how can you go wrong with a Nobel Laureate and an impressive group of the world’s youngest, and most influential, voices on climate, along the way!  

Our message was also heard outside the COP25 venue as all week long our #ONEPLANet ambassadors were found at various stops and stations across the entire Madrid public transport network greeting delegates and travellers with information on our global campaign...Check out some of them in action!

And that’s a wrap on COP25…what a week for the world!

Too much to follow at once? Well check out our full schedule, including stand-out moments, important meetings and influential people, in our daily journey on Twitter!

The crucial climate talks in Madrid may have concluded without the expected commitments from the countries who emit the most CO2 emissions, meaning the fight for change continues.

The EU has announced its Green New Deal committing to net zero emissions by 2050 and you can see UITP’s response here, as we advocate for a climate-neutral Europe with public transport.  

Here’s what we do know…

Public transport and climate action go hand-in-hand – and its time all decision makers implement what they already know into their climate plans.

“One Planet, One Plan” will officially conclude in January 2020, with a few special final moments, so there’s still time to jump on board. Join us. 

Catch up on our arrival at COP25 here.

And our international stories on examples for StepsOne,Two, ThreeandFourof our #ONEPLANet campaign can be found here.

To quote our friends at COP25…it's #TimeForAction 

oneplanet.uitp.org

UITP at COP25 wraps up with our official press release

At the end of 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Intenational Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responded to a new (novel) virus, first detected in Wuhan City, within China’s Hubei Province.

As you will know, the outbreak became known as the coronavirus, which has since led the international news.

The developments of the outbreak have been rapid and ongoing, and UITP offers our thoughts and well wishes to those impacted by the seriousness of this virus.

As a global association, with more than 1800 members in 100 countries, UITP touches all parts of the world.

With that responsibility, we’re ready to offer advice and provide engagement for the public transport sector and those with concerns over what the outbreak means for us all.

What does this all mean for the public transport sector?

Safety is a top priority for everyone working in, and using, public transport.

Public transport systems are essential for city living and daily mobility. As moving around the cities we call home is very important; UITP believes that continuity and continued public transport services are vital.

UITP will continue to work closely with public transport operators and authorities offering advice, best case examples, and the necessary assistance to make sure that the best outcomes can be implemented.

Concerns over public transport use are of course being considered and we encourage operators to focus all planned efforts on staff and passenger concerns

Our international events

As the home of many international players in the urban mobility sector, UITP regularly organises global events and meetings to bring together these expert minds to share ideas and debate.

Next week, UITP and the sector will gather in Karlsruhe, Germany for IT-TRANSand theTaxi and Ride-Hailing Conference and Exhibition(3-5 March 2020).

Safety for all our employees, event attendees and guests is always our top priority.

We have, and continue to, examine closely the evolution of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on an ongoing basis with the appropriate local health authorities.

The risk of infection in Germany is currently low and therefore these events have not been directly impacted in a major way. We do encourage you to take precautionary measures with additional hand disinfection stations being set up and increased on-site cleaning due to take place if you are planning to attend.

UITP will next visit Dubai for the MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition (Dubai, 13-15 April 2020) and more information will be updated for the situation within the United Arab Emirates as we move forward. We also encourage you to stay connected to the event’s dedicated website for news from this part of the world.

As well as staying connected to our own channels for information, you can visit the dedicated event websites for both IT-TRANS and the Taxi and Ride-Hailing Event, which both feature advice on the event in connection to the coronavirus.  

UITP wants you to know that we take our responsibility within the public transport sector very seriously, and will continue to offer what guidance we can to those in the urban mobility world. Public transport is essential to our daily lives and we will work to make sure information remains rapidly available.

We have also produced detailed recommendations with guidelines and a factsheet for our public transport operator and authority members (members-only access).

Please stay connected to the newsroom and our social media feeds for more information.

Following the success of our MobilityOnTop! campaign, UITP is now presenting concrete actions to implement the EU Mobility Manifesto and achieve a modal shift to sustainable public transport.

By creating a list of concrete actions, UITP will help EU decision makers improve mobility and the quality of daily life for all European citizens by achieving a modal shift to sustainable public transport.

UITP is now calling on EU decision makers to translate these priorities into concrete actions and to recognise the major role public transport plays in our lives and cities.

This list of actions is based on the four priorities identified in our Mobility Manifestolaunched in February ahead of the European elections.

The campaign has been a great success, as we have received the support of more than 300 signatures , including almost 40 MEPs.

More than two million people in Europe are directly employed in the public transport sector.

Public transport plays a major role in the life of cities and is also a key factor in the fight against climate change. As such, it should be supported by the new European Commission which defined the Green Deal, digitalisation and a social economy closer to citizens as main priorities.

See UITP’s Priorities for EU Policy 2019-2024 in full

Read more about our European priorities in the official press release

Pledge your support for MobilityOnTop!

For more information on UITP at the European level visited our dedicated site