In line with the UAE Year of Sustainability and as part of the efforts aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships with major international transport institutions, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi hosted the annual meetings of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). The meetings were held recently with the participation of an esteemed group of international transport officials and experts, with the attendance of members of the Middle East and North Africa Executive Committee and members of the MENA Bus Working Group to discuss several issues and challenges within their domain.
In his opening speech, Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of ITC, praised the efforts of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) for promoting sustainable transport as a pivotal focus in the Member States’ plans, noting that convening for these meetings reflects the importance of the Association’s strategic partnership wit
h the Integrated Transport Centre over the past years, which has resulted in many fruitful projects and initiatives.
Moreover, Al Marzouqi highlighted the main elements of the ITC’s strategy and its commitment to adopt the latest innovative technologies, as well as utilizing sustainable mobility options in all of the ITC’s operations and the transport means provided to the public. Noting that these key pillars are the reason behind the success story and the excellence achieved in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
He stressed that the emirate of Abu Dhabi possesses a unique set of experience in transport that reflects the future visions of the emirate and meets the wise leadership’s aspirations towards providing transport that focuses on building a comprehensive system, supported by advanced infrastructure based on an intricate public transport network and a supportive regulatory and legislative environment that attracts the best global practices that cater to the emirate’s residents and visitors. During the meeting
s, ways to promote sustainable urban transportation and the development of public transport in all aspects were discussed on an international level. The first day focused on critical issues in the public transport sector, particularly in the context of sustainability and sustainable transport, increasing the livability and attraction of cities, in addition to the most prominent initiatives. The results of the country’s Year of Sustainability action have been reviewed that are aligned with global efforts to reduce the world’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, day two of the meetings included discussions on strengthening the reliance on flexible and shared transport options that will facilitate mobility, in addition to showcasing international success stories in the field of transport, while sharing experiences, knowledge and expertise that promote the adoption of the global best practices. The meetings also comprised of a workshop that focused on the priorities of the Association’s action plan for 2024, highligh
ting issues of common interest related to the organization, operation and management of bus systems, in order to collaboratively contribute to improving efficiency and developing innovations in the bus services sector, that meet the needs of residents and visitors.
The meetings included several discussion panels and workshops on a number of topics in the areas of sustainable mobility with the participation of a number of officials and experts from local, regional and international institutions, on the government and private sector’s level. Delegates were also visited Abu Dhabi’s mass transport system vehicles (Automated Rapid Transit – ART) on Abu Dhabi Island, which is considered the latest achievement of the ITC that aims to reduce the emirate’s carbon footprint, as the new system operates with electricity and accommodates more than 200 people. The ART system enhances traffic flow and facilitates mobility of Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors.
The meetings of the UITP are of great significance as they bri
ng together experts and specialists in the transport sector from around the world to discuss ways to enhance efforts, promote sustainable mobility, and contribute to the development of public transport around the world. The International Association of Public Transport is an international reference for benchmarking the development and advancement of the public transport industry on various levels, such as metro, train, bus, taxi, autonomous vehicles and other mass transport vehicles, as it also serves the broader objective of promoting public transport throughout the region, ultimately leading to a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and livable urban environment.
Source: Emirates News Agency