Hamburg Takes the Wheel: Public Transport Revolution at UITP Congress
Hamburg emerges as the global hub for public transit systems. - Local Transport Sector Flourishes in Hamburg, Attracting Global Attention and Establishing the City as a Key International Player
Hamburg's about to become the epicenter of the public transport universe this weekend! Around 10,000 industry juggernauts and over 100 countries' exhibitors will descend upon the city for the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) summit. For Hamburg's Transport Minister, Anjes Tjarks (Greens), the UITP Summit underscores the city's status as a "trendsetting hub for the mobility of tomorrow".
Key focal points shaping the congress include autonomous driving. On the roster: buses communicating with traffic lights, giving priority to transport at intersections, smart AI-powered traffic jam prediction systems, and avatars providing route information at bus stops.
Hamburg won't hold back on high-speed rail projects, either. Plus, the Association of German Transport Companies will hold its annual meeting during the congress.
The UITP Summit, dubbed a top global trade fair, is set to return to Hamburg in 2027. While professionals gather in exhibit halls on Sunday, the public can partake in a colorful program on Saturday at Jungfernstieg, featuring transport companies and projects for all Hamburg residents.
Securing the UITP Summit for both this year and the next showcases Hamburg's pioneering role in public transport, affirmed Tjarks, speaking to the German Press Agency. "We've a clear focus on expanding and innovating public transport in Hamburg, concentrating on the future and customer satisfaction."
Hamburg triumphed over Vienna, Geneva, and Istanbul in the final selection round.
Mobility researchers: Hamburg takes the lead with political power
Tjarks asserts that expanding public transport is the key to realizing the mobility transition. "However, there are other topics to tackle as well, such as walking, cycling, quality of life, infrastructure renovation, or intelligent parking solutions." Hamburg stands tall in Germany in these areas, too, attested Tjarks.
Berlin-based mobility researcher Andreas Knie sees Hamburg as a trailblazer in politics: "Hamburg harbors the most ambitious plans for reinventing public transport and repurposing public spaces," he told the Press Agency. Yet, smaller cities like Tübingen, Heidelberg, and Freiburg also show commitment.
When it comes to citizens' behavior, Berlin leads. "Here, feet, bicycle, and public transport already dominate over the car," said Knie.
Tjarks: Hamburg is on track with transport development
According to the "Mobility in Germany" (MID) study, Hamburg's transport modal split - the distribution of different modes of transport within total traffic - stands at 29 percent for car traffic, 32 percent for pedestrian traffic, around 16 percent for cycling, and 23 percent for public transport.
In comparison, Berlin reports 27 percent of trips made by public transport, 24 percent for car traffic, over 13 percent for cycling, and 35 percent for pedestrian traffic.
Tjarks notes that Hamburg's car traffic share has decreased by ten percentage points between 2008 and 2023, according to MID. "The mobility transformation is therefore in full swing. We're moving in the right direction."
Hamburg and Berlin unite on autonomous driving.
By the way, Tjarks doesn't view Hamburg and Berlin as competitors. Instead, "We aim to collaborate, and we're documenting that intensively," said Tjarks. Autonomous vehicles can only be developed and manufactured for a larger market, and it's only natural for the two largest German cities to collaborate and propose promoting autonomous driving in public transport.
Enrichment Data:
Overview:
The UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg, slated for 15-18 June, is destined to be a leading platform for showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in public transport, attracting thousands of professionals and hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe[1][2]. The key themes and technologies projected to surface at the event include:
Key Themes
- Net Zero Cities: Emphasis on decarbonization and climate strategies for urban mobility.
- Operations: Cutting-edge operational efficiency, fleet management, and service optimization advancements.
- Lifestyle: Integration of public transport into urban lifestyles and communities.
- People-Centricity: Enhancing user experience, accessibility, and inclusivity in transport systems.
- Sustainability: Comprehensive, holistic approaches to sustainable urban mobility, highlighting equity, affordability, and social inclusion.
- Technology: Adoption and integration of cutting-edge technology for smarter, more connected transport systems[1][3].
Notable Innovations and Developments
- Real-Time Fleet Management: Companies such as Optibus are developing innovative software solutions, such as the "Control" suite, which provides real-time service visibility and command tools for more dynamic bus fleet management, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and optimization[1].
- Sustainable and Inclusive Solutions: The summit will address strategies for building fair, inclusive transport systems that cater to all communities in urbanizing cities, where private vehicle reliance grows rapidly[3]. Discussions will revolve around designing infrastructure and vehicles that accommodate everyone affordably and accessibly.
- Open Payments and Ticketing: The Urban Mobility Open Payments Forum will assemble experts to discuss seamless, digital payment solutions for public transport, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility[5].
- Product Launches and Networking: Bus and coach manufacturers, component suppliers, as well as hardware and software system providers (including global leaders like Alstom, BYD, Daimler Buses, Siemens, and others) will present new products and technologies geared toward improving efficiency and service quality[1].
- Interactive Experiences: The Mobility Festival and interactive exhibit halls will offer attendees opportunities to test new products, engage with mobility solutions, and experience the future of public transport firsthand[2].
Focus on Global Mobility Challenges
A significant portion of the summit will be dedicated to sharing best practices and policy recommendations for cities undergoing rapid urbanization, with a particular emphasis on the Global South. The goal is to ensure the transition to sustainable urban mobility doesn't leave vulnerable populations behind[3].
In summary, the UITP Summit in Hamburg is shaping up to be a crucial event for propelling public transport, spotlighting advancements in technology, sustainability, inclusivity, and operational efficiency on a global scale[1][2][3].
- At the UITP Summit 2025, vocational training initiatives in the field of public transport technology and finance are crucial, given Hamburg's status as a trendsetting hub for mobility innovation.
- In addition to autonomous driving and high-speed rail projects, the UITP Summit underscores the need for vocational training in transportation and technology industries, to ensure the sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric development of public transport systems.
