When the global public transport community gathers in Dubai from 21–23 April 2026, the conversations will be as diverse and dynamic as the sector itself. The UITP Summit returns as the world’s leading event dedicated to advancing urban mobility. This time, the programme takes shape around six defining Summit Tracks.

Each track explores the ideas, innovations, and challenges driving the transformation of cities and transport networks worldwide. They provide the framework for three days of insight, debate, and collaboration among the people and organisations shaping the future of public transport.

6 Tracks Shaping the Summit

Innovation in Bus Systems

Buses remain the backbone of public transport in cities around the world, and the transition to cleaner, smarter fleets is accelerating. This track looks at how network design, decarbonisation strategies, and new energy technologies are reshaping operations and passenger experiences.

From battery innovation to circular economy practices and modernised infrastructure, discussions will focus on how to future-proof bus systems while meeting the growing demand for sustainable mobility.

The Future of Rail

Rail continues to connect communities and drive regional development, but delivering ambitious projects in a fast-changing world requires agility and innovation. This track examines advances in rail vehicles and operations, adaptive planning, and lifecycle optimisation. It also considers how major rail initiatives are integrating with broader mobility networks to offer efficient, reliable, and climate-resilient transport solutions.

Shared Mobility

The shared mobility revolution is rewriting how people move through urban spaces. From on-demand services and micro-mobility to multimodal hubs and first- and last-mile integration, this track investigates how partnerships, governance frameworks, and new business models are shaping shared systems. The conversations will highlight how shared mobility can strengthen the role of public transport, not compete with it, in creating seamless and inclusive travel options.

The Human Factor

Public transport is ultimately about people, the passengers who rely on it and the workforce that keeps it running. This track turns the spotlight on accessibility, customer experience, safety, and evolving mobility behaviours. It also addresses employment trends and the future of skills in a sector adapting to digitalisation, sustainability goals, and changing lifestyles. Keeping people at the centre remains essential to building trust and ridership.

Funding and Financing

Delivering world-class public transport systems requires robust and innovative financial models. This track examines how authorities and operators are addressing affordability, accessing green capital markets, and forming effective public-private partnerships. Discussions will also look at new approaches to funding adaptation and generating revenue from assets, which are critical for long-term resilience and investment in mobility infrastructure.

Smart Technologies and Data

Digitalisation is transforming every aspect of mobility. Automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics are driving efficiencies and enabling smarter decisions across transport networks. This track explores how technologies such as integrated ticketing, real-time monitoring, and cybersecurity frameworks are reshaping the passenger journey and the way cities plan and manage mobility systems.

Be Part of the Conversation

The Call for Speakers for the UITP Summit 2026 is now open until 10 November 2025, offering professionals from across the globe the chance to contribute to these discussions.

Speakers can apply to take part in Congress Sessions, open to all, to present research, share best practices, and engage with peers on the pressing challenges facing the sector. Exhibitors at the Summit are also invited to showcase their solutions through Expo Sessions, presenting innovations directly to attendees and partners.

With a strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and knowledge exchange, the UITP Summit provides a platform for every voice committed to advancing sustainable urban mobility.