UITP launches Shared Mobility Division to foster industry collaboration

Credit: UITP

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has announced that it has introduced the Shared Mobility Division to unite professionals within the shared mobility industry and foster collaboration. This division aims to advance knowledge, facilitate idea exchange, as well as promote best practices and experiences.

In early 2024, the Shared Mobility Division will convene for the first time, allowing members to discuss pressing issues, share insights and establish priorities for the sector.

Shared mobility encompasses various modes, including vehicle-sharing (e.g., micro-mobility or cars) and on-demand mobility services, such as taxis, ride-hailing and carpooling. When combined with traditional public transport, it forms a concept known as combined mobility.

Shared mobility contributes to urban life by offering access to shared vehicles like bikes, e-scooters and cars, as well as on-demand transportation through buses or cars. This diversified mobility mix simplifies door-to-door journeys and should complement public transport options while reducing congestion, energy consumption, noise, air pollution and ensuring mobility for all.

UITP India and ICCT collaborate to accelerate zero-emission bus transition in Bengaluru

“By integrating shared mobility into the scope of UITP, we can ensure this rapidly growing sector will integrate into the existing public transport networks, and ultimately give urban space back to people,” said Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP.

Furthermore, UITP’s Shared Mobility Division brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including start-ups specialising in micro-mobility and autonomous driving, as well as traditional players like taxi companies and public transport operators with shared bike systems. It is also inclusive of regulatory authorities and associations in the field.

UITP’s committees and working groups will play a central role in this collaboration, involving professionals from various shared mobility sectors. These groups serve as active bodies within UITP, focusing on peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and sector-specific knowledge creation. The division comprises of two key committees: the On-Demand Mobility Committee and the Shared Vehicles Committee.

Shared mobility holds the potential to transform urban transportation, making it more efficient, sustainable and accessible to all, and the establishment of the Shared Mobility Division within UITP reflects a commitment to advancing this transformative industry.