UITP Congress Dubai

The world’s public transport professionals met earlier this month at the UITP biennial congress and exhibition in Dubai. Peter Stonham reports on the issues and exhibits

The Dubai metro. Recently opened and with the latest automated operating technology and, stylish air-conditioned stations but competeing in a car dominated city landscape created in the past decade

The Dubai metro. Recently opened and with the latest automated operating technology and, stylish air-conditioned stations but competeing in a car dominated city landscape created in the past decade

The Dutch Superbus prototype was an attention grabber and visited by the Dubai rulers on the opening day.

The Dutch Superbus prototype was an attention grabber and visited by the Dubai rulers on the opening day.

An innovative selection. Amongst the exhibits were: The VDL Urban Networker bus of the year, Van Hool’s new Exquicity dual mode bus for BRT, Clever Systems’ bus stop information system from Chicago, Local telecomes company EtilStat’s NFC downloadable timetable display, the latest Bombardier INNOVIA 300 automated transit concepts, and the Mercedes shared city transport Car2go Smart vehicle.

An innovative selection. Amongst the exhibits were: The VDL Urban Networker bus of the year, Van Hool’s new Exquicity dual mode bus for BRT, Clever Systems’ bus stop information system from Chicago, Local telecomes company EtilStat’s NFC downloadable timetable display, the latest Bombardier INNOVIA 300 automated transit concepts, and the Mercedes shared city transport Car2go Smart vehicle.

There was a distinct air of confidence about the future of public transport at the 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition held in Dubai at the beginning of April.

Whilst the 2000 delegates from 80 countries were hearing presentations relating to the Congress theme of ‘PT x 2’- the aim of doubling the public transport market share worldwide by 2025- there were many examples of innovation and imagination in vehicles, equipment and operational and marketing support systems to be seen...