UITP Establishes World Public Transport Day: Global Push for Sustainable Mobility

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has officially established World Public Transport Day, an annual global celebration set for April 17, commencing with the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. This landmark initiative, announced in New York, aims to unequivocally underscore the indispensable role of public transport in urban community life and the efficient functioning of cities worldwide.

The establishment of World Public Transport Day marks a significant step in elevating the discourse around sustainable urban mobility. The announcement, delivered by Abimbola Akinajo, CEO of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and UITP Vice President, resonated with international delegates, emphasizing how public transport serves as a daily nexus for opportunities in employment, education, culture, and recreation. This global day is designed to foster a collective understanding and appreciation of public transit’s profound societal impact.

Strategic Impact

World Public Transport Day seeks to powerfully demonstrate the integral role public transport plays in individual lives and in the broader economic landscape. By highlighting its contribution to stimulating economic growth and fostering interconnected cities, the initiative aims to align with the ambitious goals of the UN’s Decade of Sustainable Transport. A key focus will be empowering young people to recognize public transport as the optimal choice for their daily commutes, thereby cultivating a generation committed to sustainable mobility solutions. This annual event is poised to become a pivotal platform for global dialogue on the future of urban movement.

Operational Details

On April 17 each year, cities across the globe will orchestrate localized events under the World Public Transport Day banner. The extensive network of approximately 2,000 UITP members, spanning 100 countries, will actively engage in a multitude of activities across metro, bus, and tram systems, as well as within stations and online. Over 60 global partners, including entities from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have already pledged their support, underscoring the initiative’s broad international appeal and collaborative spirit.

Industry Context

This strategic move by UITP directly addresses the critical need for enhanced public transport adoption to achieve global sustainability targets. Public transport is a proven engine for economic prosperity, with European data alone revealing nearly 60 billion annual trips and an investment return of four times the initial capital. Furthermore, it is a significant job creator, offering more employment opportunities than equivalent investments in road infrastructure. By raising awareness among both citizens and policymakers about these tangible benefits—including cleaner air, healthier urban environments, greater social inclusion, and robust economic growth—World Public Transport Day aims to galvanize further investment and encourage a systemic shift towards public transit as the preferred mode of urban mobility.