French host showcase for public transport in Europe

10,000 public transport professionals from 50 countries expected to visit show in June

an international show dedicated to all modes of public transport will take place in Paris on June 8-10. Over 250 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors from all around the world are expected to come and discover the latest innovations and best practice in sustainable mobility.

Transports Publics 2010 will be the fourth show of its kind. The biennial event, which aims to showcase new products and services, as well as the most innovative transport policies. There is no equivalent of the show in the UK. It is organised by GIE Objectif transport public, a joint venture between UTP, France’s professional association for urban public transport and rail, and GART, which represents elected officials with responsibility for public transport in France. Every aspect of public transport will be represented: urban, local and regional transport, bus, rail and light rail, as well as alternative modes such as cycling, walking and car sharing.

“Our society needs high performance transport systems - ones which are reliable, safe, economical and environmentally-friendly,” says Joël Lebreton, chairman and chief executive of transport group Transdev, who is also chairman of the show’s organisers, GIE Objectif transport. “The European Mobility Exhibition is the place to find the most innovative equipment, products and services.”

Vehicle manufacturers are among the exhibitors. Irisbus, for example, will be showing a hybrid-powered version of its Citelis city bus, which has been developed in partnership with BAE?Systems.

For the first time the event will feature the ‘Talent in Mobility’ awards, which will draw attention to the men and women whose initiatives and achievements have contributed to the development of public transport in Europe. UK public transport professionals are among the entrants for the pan-European prizes.

French public transport is currently benefiting from huge levels of investment in new infrastructure, as recently profiled in a special ‘French issue’ of New Transit (March). Spending on all transport by the UK’s Department for Transport was £16bn in 2007/08. In France, 20bn Euros was spent solely on public transport by local and regional government. Over the next 10 years the French government has pledged to build a further 1,500km of metro, tram and BRT and 2,000km of new high speed rail lines.

Admission to the exhibition is free for all registrations prior to the exhibition opening.