Track Focus: Sustainability
Public transport has a huge impact on the sustainable transition – our sector contributes directly to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In short: where we go, our cities go.
The mobility sector has both the power and responsibility to change things for the better. And creating this more positive and sustainable future takes thoughtful planning, alignment with wider societal goals, and above all, collective effort.
At the UITP Hamburg Summit on 15-18 June 2025, the world’s public transport professionals will hold four days of activities and discussions covering the most important topics in the public transport sector. And that includes how to make public transport and urban mobility more sustainable.
What is Sustainability in Public Transport?
Sustainable mobility is everything from clean buses to zero-emission construction sites and urban design that encourages active mobility. Achieving these changes and making a positive impact takes clear planning that aligns with the UN’s SDGs.
In short, that means resilient infrastructure, intramodal hubs, urban planning and public spaces, as well as ongoing adaptation to climate change.
5 Discussions About Sustainability You Can Expect at the UITP Summit 2025:
A fair and inclusive sustainable transition
How can cities decarbonise and adapt while ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’? If we are to achieve the modal shift away from private cars that we are aiming for, then accessibility, transport poverty, equity, and inclusion need to be at the top of the agenda.
And at the UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg, global public transport experts will come together to share best practices and key policy recommendations on designing inclusive infrastructure and vehicles and how to manage the transition to socially inclusive net-zero cities.
Sustainable strategies and solutions for rapidly urbanising cities
Across the Global South, cities are urbanising fast. This affects cities throughout Latin America and has led to an increased reliance on private vehicles. In the end, this worsens inequalities in accessibility, affordability, and safety. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Sustainable. Efficient. Innovative. There exist inclusive and forward-thinking urban transport solutions ready to adapted for and adopted by cities in Latin America. However, the ability to manage and respond to growing demand for urban mobility can often be limited.
At the UITP Summit, experts and stakeholders will share insights on the strategies needed to turn these solutions into reality.
Sustainability and resilience as integrated needs in mobility plans
Our systems have to be sustainable, but they must also be resilient. When we plan smartly and collectively, we become more resilient as a sector. And that’s necessary at a time when things in the world seem all too unpredictable.
Because public transport is at the centre of communities, that puts us as the centre of events too. From integrated land use to managing disruptions, passenger flows, and network planning, our organisational policies, training, and strategies will make a difference to how effectively we act when unexpected things happen.
In brief, what policy do we apply, when do we apply it, and who is responsible for it? These are questions that need to be planned, not improvised – and the Summit will showcase best practices on how authorities, operators, and other stakeholders can better plan and share responsibilities to do more together.
Smarter, more digital operations
It’s simple: implemented well, digitalisation unlocks efficiencies. But technology is moving fast and we are all at different rates of adoption. As well, the sustainable transition requires significant investment and resources to the point that ensuring success is more vital than ever.
It’s important that we leverage data and AI to optimise public transport – in short, to run more efficient operations, reduce costs, and ultimately provide a better quality service. Society is being increasingly shaped by AI and digital tools. And public transport, as a public service, is no different.
Technical Visits to the sustainable innovations of Hamburg
And of course, the UITP Summit in Hamburg is the perfect time to showcase the city’s innovations! Technical sessions at the UITP Summit 2025 include visits to see sustainable innovations first-hand:
- The construction site of the new S4 suburban railway line featuring cutting-edge technology, set to improve connections and relieve congestion.
- The Urban Data Platform, an open-source digital service built on over 600 datasets which powers data-driven decisions for Hamburg’s mobility. It is a uniquely immersive 3D experience
- Hamburg’s new and walkable city centre – where you can discover how new infrastructure facilitates sustainable city development
Take note: Technical Visits have a limited number of places! Register for the UITP Summit with an Exchange or Expertise pass, and you will receive an email where you can reserve your place.
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Key Topics: Our 6 Session Tracks
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