The public transport sector, integral to urban development and environmental protection, is increasingly tasked with providing efficient and affordable transportation while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the following Q&A, Philip Turner, Head of Sustainable Development, UITP, emphasizes UITP’s roadmap to decarbonize public transport, innovative solutions for increasing modal share, and the role of stakeholders in enhancing the sector’s impact on climate change.
How is your organization approaching climate change?
UITP and its members work together to shine a light on how public transport is one of the most climate-friendly ways of travelling. We aim to be a central part of the solution to the challenge of climate change as well as find solutions to decarbonize the sector. We consider it our mission to help empower the public transport sector to be a driving force in a greener future through collaborative knowledge sharing and advocacy.
What’s your top best practice to solve the climate crisis?
Increasing the modal share of public transport is the most cost-efficient way to decarbonize people’s daily mobility. Doubling its usage by 2030 would create tens of millions of jobs in cities around the world, cut urban transport emissions by more than half, and reduce air pollution from transport by up to 45%. Most importantly, these investments pay for themselves.
How is your organization engaging local stakeholders in your climate actions?
UITP members run the day-to-day operation of public transport networks in cities across the globe. We help bring our members together to exchange ideas, share best practices and forge the necessary partnerships to ensure that public transport and its workers continue to bring cities to life for the benefit of people and the planet.
Outside of your organization, what climate action inspires you?
There are enormous opportunities to accelerate the mutually reinforcing transformations of the transport and energy sectors. As almost all public transport vehicles today are already able to run on renewables, it is possible to achieve cost-effective emission reductions and provide zero emissions mobility to millions of people at the drop of a hat. This synergy, where advancements are mutually reinforcing, inspires us to seek more collaboration and strengthen our partnerships.
