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Date

29 May 2009

Sections

Transport

International Transport Forum:
Public transport has a key role to play in implementing a sustainable long-term vision of mobility

Leipzig, 29 May 2009- Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General represented the International Association of Public Transport during the ‘International leaders’ roundtable’ that took place during the ITF this morning.

Mr Rat underlined that public transport has a key role to play in developing sustainable mobility patterns for the future and defining ambitious and visionary mobility policies in urban centres worldwide, in line with the theme of the roundtable ‘Long term forward looking vision of the transport sector’

‘Public transport ridership started to rise over a decade ago, before the energy crisis. It is a voluntary choice that results from the emergence of new mobility patterns. The younger generations have a completely new approach of mobility where mobile phones and other new technologies play an important role. Public transport companies around the world are proving their ability to innovate and meet these emerging needs. And I must underline that these new services are creating new jobs and wealth for the overall society’ he added.

Mr Rat concluded by calling on Ministers, cities and local authorities to keep the development of public transport high on their agenda as only a strong political will at all levels can support the long-term trend in favour of a massive modal shift.

The topical issue of public transport’s contribution to the society and the need to “make the right mobility choices” will be addressed during the 58th UITP World Congress and Exhibition that will open its doors on the 8th of June in Vienna.

Notes for Editors

UITP’s World Congress and Exhibition will be held in Vienna, Austria, 7-11 June 2009. The theme of the event is ‘Public transport: Making the right mobility choices’. For more information, visit www.uitp.org/vienna2009/.

See the congress programme

See the Expo Forums programme

Get a preview of the exhibition

Visit the Vienna Congress and Exhibition Media Room

Press Contact:

Aline Talabard| UITP Communications Manager

Direct phone: +32 (0)2 6636672 | Fax: +32 (0)2 6601072 |

aline.talabard@uitp.org

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