Public transport experts from across Europe are meeting in Birmingham this week to discuss the impact of better bus, rail and tram networks on quality of life. (21-23 August)

West Midlands body Centro currently holds the vice-chairmanship of a key committee of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) – and will be hosting one of the regular meetings in Birmingham.

One of the key issues on the agenda is how to provide the maximum mobility for people living in major cities, without adding to traffic congestion and damaging the environment.  Transport bosses from Vienna, Prague, the Hague, Dresden, Madrid, Stuttgart and Lisbon, as well as London and the West Midlands, will be taking part in the discussions.

The UITP has recently been working with the European Union to encourage member states, and local and regional governments to implement more sustainable urban transport policies.

It published figures to show that modal shift from private to public transport will contribute to a significant reduction in the €560 billion annual cost of road accidents, congestion, energy consumption and pollution in the EU, thus releasing funds for economic development.

Research by the University of Cologne also showed that every €1 billion invested in public transport infrastructure results in a direct employment benefit of 20,000 person-years.  Every €1 invested in public transport has an economic benefit to society of €1.50.

"The benefits of persuading more people  to use public transport can be huge," comments Ton Kaper, public transport boss of the Hague and chairman of the committee meeting in Birmingham.  "Better co-ordination of land use and mobility policies can reduce social exclusion, generate more wealth and make our cities more pleasant places to live.”

Link:  UITP Transport and Urban Life Commission