Barcelona, the vibrant Spanish city, recently hosted the renowned UITP Global Public Transport Summit from June 4th to June 7th, 2023. The 64th edition of this esteemed event brought together public transport professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers, all driven by a shared vision of sustainable urban mobility. The exhibition floor of the UITP Summit showcased cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and initiatives from various corners of the world. Alongside discussions led by CEOs, experts, mayors, and ministers, the event highlighted the paramount importance of public transport in shaping sustainable cities. Rajesh Rajgor was present to capture the essence of this remarkable event. Through captivating visuals and key highlights, he provides a sneak peek into the future of public transport, delivering exciting news and updates from the summit in this report.
In the bustling city of Barcelona, the UITP Global Public Transport Summit took center stage from June 4th to June 7th, 2023, generating excitement and anticipation. Under the theme “Bright Light of the City,” the summit’s opening day set the stage for a greener future as Mayor Ada Colau Ballano emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. Public transport emerged as a vital necessity rather than just a choice for cities striving to create healthier and eco-friendly communities. Barcelona demonstrated its unwavering commitment to prioritize sustainable road transport, tram fleets, and railway systems, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Keynote speaker Prof. Mariana Mazzucato, renowned for her insights on innovation-led sustainable growth, applauded mayors’ efforts in designing urban environments to align with sustainability goals. She drew parallels to NASA’s collective achievements in reaching the moon, emphasizing how public transport flourishes when harmoniously integrated into cities’ economic systems. Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General, added to the narrative by highlighting public transport’s transformative power in enhancing citizens’ lives, fostering connections, and providing job opportunities.
Reneé Amilcar Elected as Next UITP President
During the annual UITP General Assembly preceding the summit, Reneé Amilcar, General Manager of Transit Services at OC Transpo in Ottawa, Canada, was elected as the next UITP President. With her term set to begin immediately after the summit, Reneé brings forth renewed enthusiasm and commitment to advocate for public transport on a global scale. Outgoing UITP President and general manager of Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company, Khalid ALHOGAIL, commended Barcelona for its exemplary sustainable public transport initiatives. He advocated for increased investment in public transport, walking, cycling, and shared mobility to pave the way for more sustainable urban spaces worldwide.
Prestigious Award for Mumbai’s BEST
The summit celebrated excellence with the award ceremony, where Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) triumphed with their exceptional project titled “BEST Green Travel initiatives: Creating Sustainable Public Transportation.” The award highlighted the transformative impact of sustainable transport initiatives, resonating joy and pride in Mumbai and beyond.
The UITP Global Public Transport Summit, as an essential platform for progress and collaboration, has once again proven to be the beacon guiding the public transport community toward a more sustainable and connected future. As the world embraces the transformative potential of public transport, the event’s legacy continues to inspire cities worldwide to build a greener, brighter, and more accessible tomorrow.
The exhibition in Barcelona saw 17,300 visitors and 337 exhibitors from 41 countries. Public transport professionals from across the globe witnessed the latest vehicles, innovative products, and solutions from leading industry suppliers and operating companies. Spread across two halls with hundreds of stands, it’s easy to get lost. So, in the following few pages, you will read about innovations offered by key companies in the public transportation space.
Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell
Daimler Buses unveiled the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell, marking the first series-production electric bus with a fuel cell range extender. This zero-emissions bus boasts an impressive range and high passenger capacity. The articulated variant, capable of traveling approximately 350 kilometers without recharging, can accommodate up to 128 passengers . The eCitaro fuel cell combines a battery-electric drive system with NMC 3 high-performance batteries and a 60 kW fuel cell acting as a hydrogen generator. This innovative setup enables efficient operation, optimizing electricity usage from the grid and ensuring seamless energy storage during braking. The German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport supports this technology. In addition, Daimler Buses announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, which will focus on designing and constructing e-infrastructure for electrified buses. This turnkey approach will provide a complete e-system, including electric buses, charging infrastructure, and digital services. Daimler Buses aims to achieve carbon-neutral models in every segment by 2030.
ZF – Autonomous, Connected, and Electrified
ZF, a technology company specializing in autonomous, connected, and electrified systems, showcased its latest advancements in bus and coach technologies at the 65th UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Barcelona. Among its offerings was the new CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive system for intercity buses and coaches, featuring an integrated three-speed transmission. This system enhances maneuverability on steeper slopes and challenging topographies while delivering high continuous performance. ZF also unveiled a fully electric autonomous shuttle designed for urban environments. Furthermore, the company introduced ZF Bus Connect, a digital fleet management solution that leverages data insights and analytics to optimize cost, safety, and bus fleet operations. The platform’s “EcoLife Health Check” module enables remote diagnostics, reducing maintenance costs and increasing uptime for bus fleets. Additionally, ZF presented its first Collision Mitigation System (CMS) specifically designed for city buses, offering active braking to help avoid collisions with other road users.
MAN – Future-Proof Electric Buses and Smart Solutions
MAN Truck & Bus made a strong impression at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2023 by showcasing a range of innovative and future-proof solutions for urban transport. The highlight of their exhibit was the all-electric Lion’s City 10 E, a compact and agile electric midibus designed for emission-free urban mobility. The Lion’s City 10 E is part of the successful MAN electric bus family, which has gained popularity among operators, drivers, and passengers across Europe. MAN also presented smart digital services, such as the MAN eManager, which simplifies the operation of electric vehicles, and comprehensive consulting services provided by MAN Transport Solutions to support customers in transitioning to zero-emission fleets. Additionally, MAN emphasized its commitment to automation in the transport sector. In collaboration with Mobileye, the company is working towards highly automated driving in city buses, with plans to pilot the first automated city bus with a safety driver by 2025. MAN’s presence at the event demonstrated their dedication to sustainability and their position at the forefront of the transformation towards emission-free, connected, and automated urban mobility solutions.
Scania – Cutting-Edge Hybrid and Fully Electric Power Systems
Scania introduced new hybrid and fully electric power systems to meet customer demands for reduced carbon emissions. The hybrid system combines an e-machine with a combustion engine, offering significant CO2 reduction potential for various applications. Meanwhile, the fully electric system achieves even higher emission reductions when powered by renewable energy sources. Both systems provide outstanding performance, improved powertrain efficiency, and lower operational costs. At the UITP summit, Scania emphasized the importance of a comprehensive sustainability approach and the need to leverage all driveline technologies for carbon emission mitigation. They highlighted the role of electric and renewable drivelines in fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement and showcased the potential of water-based public transport and electrified marine drivelines in reducing carbon emissions. Scania is committed to sustainable development and called on other industry players to join their efforts.
As part of their business restructuring, Scania will cease body production for Scania bus chassis in Poland due to market changes, slow recovery from the pandemic, and the need for investments in new technology. However, they will continue providing complete buses and coaches, focusing on their modular system, service network, and partnerships with bodybuilders. The updated strategy aims to deliver competitive and sustainable mobility solutions to customers, including comprehensive services and intelligent transport systems. Scania will maintain chassis production in Poland and collaborate closely with bodybuilders and industry partners to effectively meet customer demands.
New 12 m Customized eBus and eBus B19 Model from BYD
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), showcased its latest innovations in sustainable public transportation at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Barcelona. The event featured two groundbreaking eBus models: the BYD eBus B19 and the customized BYD-Castrosua 12-meter eBus. The eBus B19 boasts the latest BYD LFP Battery Technology and a 6-in-1 controller, offering greater safety, efficiency, and an extended range with its 563 kWh battery capacity. On the other hand, the customized BYD-Castrosua eBus results from a partnership that merges BYD’s advanced chassis technology and Castrosua’s adaptable Nelec body, providing customers with a wide range of customization options. BYD’s commitment to eco-friendly public transport is evident in its track record as the first provider of 100% emissions-free transport solutions in Europe. With more than 28 years of experience in battery research and development, BYD has become a global leader in the field. The company has sold over 1.86 million NEVs worldwide and delivered more than 4.3 million new energy vehicles across 70 countries and over 400 cities. The strategic collaboration with Castrosua underscores BYD’s dedication to tailored solutions and regional support, making electric buses a viable and attractive option for sustainable transportation.
Iveco Bus shines with Advanced Electric Buses
IVECO BUS participated in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Barcelona, showcasing its latest advancements in electric mobility solutions. They presented the 13m full electric CROSSWAY Low Entry and a 9.5m E-WAY battery-powered midibus, equipped with advanced battery technology. The company demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by offering Energy Mobility Solutions to support customers in transitioning to zero-emission fleets. Their diverse product lineup, including electric, hybrid, and natural gas models, provides efficient and eco-friendly solutions for various mobility needs. The new CROSSWAY LE ELEC offers a range of around 400 km, suitable for suburban and interurban missions, while the new-generation E-WAY vehicles feature improved energy storage with up to 9 battery packs, optimizing passenger capacity. IVECO BUS also serves as an Electromobility advisor, helping customers design and implement tailored electric vehicle solution
The Futuristic Irizar ie Trams:
Irizar e-mobility participated in another edition of the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, held in Barcelona from 5 to 7 June 2023. The company showcased two revolutionary zero-emissions buses at their 400 m2 stand. One of the buses displayed was an 18-meter ie tram owned by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), while the other was a 12-meter ie tram belonging to EMT Madrid (Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid). These trams stood out with their chrome perimeter arches, elegantly framing the large glazed surfaces on the sides, giving them a distinctive and futuristic appearance.
During the press conference at their stand, Irizar e-mobility highlighted the significant milestones achieved in the last 12 years. They emphasized important accomplishments such as delivering the first 100% electric buses in Barcelona in 2014 as part of the ZeEUS project, introducing the pioneering ie tram in 2017, and presenting the first electric truck, the ie truck, in 2018. Iñigo Etxeberria, the Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, expressed positive growth prospects for both the national and international markets, with production increasing by 100% in a year. As a leader in providing turn-key zero-emissions solutions, Irizar e-mobility remains committed to creating a sustainable, safe, and accessible world for everyone.