Canberra hosts major international transport conference


Released 12/11/2019

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and Transport Canberra and City Services are hosting the UITP Asia-Pacific meeting in Canberra from 11 - 13 November.

Transport Canberra and City Services is the location host as UITP member delegates from across the Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand converge on Canberra to unite and collaborate on issues relating to public transport automation, electrification and new mobility.

“Transport Canberra and City Services is honoured to be welcoming UITP member delegates to Canberra. As a world-leading sustainable city and the knowledge capital of Australia, we are attuned to the many opportunities to collaborate with Asian organisations through innovation and technology. The UITP Asia-Pacific meetings allow us to strengthen these relationships, learn from colleagues, peers and member delegates who are attending this event, and how their approaches to public transport may be applied in our city,” said Alison Playford, Director-General, Transport Canberra and City Services.

“Building on our sustainable city commitment, we are leading the country in taking a responsible approach to managing climate change and our environment. We are committed to progressing our bus fleet to zero emissions by 2040 and we have commenced delivery of a city-wide light rail network to be powered by 100% renewable electricity.”

Executive Director of UITP Australia and New Zealand, Michelle Batsas, said that the meeting presented a unique opportunity for Australia to learn from world leaders in the public transport sector, but that there was also a lot Australia had to offer in return.

“We’ve got world leaders in town from Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen – cities leading the way in delivering outstanding public transport to their customers, such as Shenzhen who boasts the world’s first 100% electric bus fleet and Singapore who are leading experts in automation and technology.

“Australia too has a lot to showcase to our Asia-Pacific peers, including our world-leading focus on the customer experience and even here in Canberra, a city leading the way on the future of mobility and public transport in this country. There’s no better city in Australia to host this event,” Ms Batsas said.

Like other major Australian cities, Canberra is in the middle of a transport revolution.

Judith Sturman, Executive Group Manager, Transport Canberra Operations said, “We have a vision for a smart, customer-focused, sustainable and integrated transport network. The future for electric bus technology in the ACT is promising. A recent trial period of operating electric buses across the Transport Canberra fleet has given us many learnings.

“We are exploring smart ticketing technologies, autonomous vehicle trials, bike sharing applications and Demand Responsive Transport software solutions. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the transportation needs of our city and meet the expectations of our citizens.”

What: Interview/photo opportunity with UITP delegates

Where: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit

When: 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Tuesday 12 November 2019

What: Light rail depot site tour and journey along light rail alignment

Where: Light rail depot, 9 Sanford Street, Mitchell

When: 1 pm Wednesday 13 November 2019

Please note: Light rail journey will take place from EPIC light rail stop following the depot tour with UITP member delegates, Transport Canberra delegation and CMET team, alighting at Alinga Street terminus. Please call Gerry Murray on 0420 620 500 to confirm if you are attending.

- Statement ends -

ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Gerry Murray

(02) 6207 6356

0420 620 500

Gerry.Murray@act.gov.au

Alicia Ballesty

0419 045 240

Alicia.Ballesty@uitp.org


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