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Intelligent Transport at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2017

With three days of the best exhibitors, speakers and new innovations in the world of public transport, Intelligent Transport wasn’t going to miss 2017’s UITP Global Public Transport Summit…

The future of transport, its transition into the digital age and the emphasis on ‘smart’ transport is widely reported and that notion of innovative transport means were clearly evident at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Montréal on 15-17 May 2017.

Lead the TRANSITion

Firstly, there was its theme: ‘Lead the TRANSITion’ which indeed served to highlight the need for the transport sector to take a lead in new, innovative technologies and with sessions ranging from ‘Next Steps in the Ticketing Journey’ and ‘Autonomous Vehicles: The New Holy Grail?’ to poster sessions on ‘Designing Cities, Designing Transport’ it was clear where UITP believes the industry is going. And with a turnout of 13,000 visitors over the three days of the show, it’s clear that many people in the industry were interested in this too.

Autonomous vehicles

The idea of innovation wasn’t just restricted to the sessions. Many of the exhibitors were showcasing new technologies and electric buses, and the outside area was largely dedicated to autonomous vehicles, with test rides available throughout the three days for participants (see the below video for some of the autonomous vehicles on display, as well as the numerous exhibitors and speakers that we saw).

A truly global event

Another takeaway from the event was how global it really was. In total, 2,500 participants from 84 countries around the world came to exchange best practice with international experts and explore the 330 companies from 30 countries displaying their very latest innovative products and solutions, and with a day dedicated to North America, UITP the Global Transport Summit truly lived up to its name.

“In order to lead the transition, the business model of public transport will need to change”

“In order to lead the transition, the business model of public transport will need to change and is changing to fully integrate new services like bike- or car-sharing,” said UITP Secretary General Alain Flausch. “Working together with partners such as new mobility players will allow the sector to become more agile.”

The next Summit (which will take place in 2019) will be held in Stockholm.