Exciting news resonates from the vibrant city of Barcelona as the UITP Global Public Transport Summit takes center stage from June 4th to June 7th, 2023. Our Associate Editor, Rajesh Rajgor, is there to capture the essence of this remarkable event, offering a sneak peek into the future of public transport through captivating visuals and key highlights.
Barcelona’s Vision for a Greener Tomorrow
The opening day unveiled Barcelona’s bold commitment to constructing a sustainable urban model under the visionary leadership of Mayor Ada Colau Ballano. Her impassioned address emphasized the urgent need to tackle climate change, shedding light on public transport’s indispensable role in cities, transcending choice to become an absolute necessity. Barcelona’s unwavering dedication to prioritize eco-friendly solutions, including sustainable road transport, tram fleets, and railway systems, promises a greener future.
UITP President Khalid ALHOGAIL echoed this sentiment during his welcome address, highlighting the significance of expanding public transport, promoting walking, cycling, and shared mobility to foster unity and well-being within our cities.
Synergistic Planning Approach
The summit’s keynote speaker, Prof. Mariana Mazzucato, commended mayors who prioritize sustainability, drawing inspiration from their efforts to design urban environments and economic systems that actively contribute to this crucial goal. Prof. Mazzucato emphasized the value of synergistic planning, akin to the collective achievement of NASA’s moon mission, highlighting that humanity and public transport flourish when working in harmony.
Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General, added his perspective, emphasizing how public transport provides access, job opportunities, and enhanced connections with friends and family, ultimately enhancing citizens’ lives.
Prestigious Award for Mumbai’s BEST
The award ceremony added an element of surprise and celebration, with Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) winning the esteemed accolade for their remarkable project titled “BEST Green Travel initiatives: Creating Sustainable Public Transportation” in the Climate and Health category. Mumbai’s jubilation was shared worldwide, underscoring the transformative impact of sustainable transport initiatives.
Next UITP President Elected
In a momentous event preceding the summit, Reneé Amilcar, General Manager of Transit Services at OC Transpo in Ottawa, Canada, was elected as the next UITP President. Reneé’s term, set to commence immediately after the summit, brings forth renewed enthusiasm and commitment to public transport advocacy.
Watch this space for more news and updates from UITP Global Public Transport Summit.