Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

The second day of the UITP MENA Congress and Exhibition featured a plenary session titled "Growing the Positive Image of Public Transport". The session highlighted the importance of making public transportation more desirable by enhancing its sustainability, comfort, and convenience.

The discussion provided the attendees the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to enhance the attractiveness of public transportation systems. 

The session, moderated by Renee Amilcar, President of UITP and General Manager of OC Transpo, Ottawa, Canada, brought together notable speakers from around the world to delve into the complexities of sustainable mobility. Among them were Anjes Tjarks, Minister for Transport and Mobility Transition of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany, and Rumaih AL-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia/Transport General Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Anjes Tjarks shared insights derived from Hamburg's groundbreaking efforts in sustainable mobility. He underscored Germany's commitment to developing extensive transportation networks and cutting-edge metro systems, all designed with the latest technologies aimed at ensuring not only comfort and reliability but also fostering trust among the public. Tjarks emphasized the significance of these initiatives, noting that in 2022 alone, Hamburg witnessed a staggering 40 million public transport users. He articulated ambitious plans to further enhance the image of public transport, aiming to surpass 100 million users by promoting diverse modes of transportation and embracing innovative solutions such as autonomous buses currently undergoing testing.

Rumaih AL-Rumaih shed light on the unique challenges facing Saudi Arabia's transport landscape, particularly in a society where personal vehicles reign supreme. He stressed the importance of instigating a cultural shift towards embracing public transportation, acknowledging the necessity of bolstering security, safety, and technological advancements within the country's transportation infrastructure. AL-Rumaih's remarks highlighted the delicate balance between tradition and progress, as Saudi Arabia navigates towards a future where sustainable mobility plays a pivotal role in shaping urban environments.

The session served as a dynamic platform for collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange, reaffirming the indispensable role of public transport in fostering connected and livable cities. As urban centers worldwide grapple with the multifaceted challenges of rapid urbanization, the insights gleaned from this plenary session stand poised to catalyze positive transformations and drive forward sustainable mobility solutions for the future.