In New York, as part of the launch of the “UN Decade of Sustainable Transport,” International Association of Public Transport (UITP) announced the establishment of World Public Transport Day, a new global day of celebration to be held annually on April 17. The initiative aims to highlight the essential role that public transport plays in the life of urban communities and the functioning of cities.
The announcement was made to international delegates by Abimbola Akinajo, CEO of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and UITP Vice President. According to her, the new international day will highlight how public transport connects people daily with jobs, education, culture, sports, and many other opportunities.
On April 17, cities around the world will organize local actions coordinated under the umbrella of World Public Transport Day. The approximately 2,000 UITP members from 100 countries will contribute to activities carried out in metro, bus, and tram networks, in stations, and in the digital environment.
To date, over 60 global partners have joined the initiative, from countries such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many others.
UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani highlighted the international ambition of the project:
“We want to put people at the heart of public transport and make the way we travel contribute to a global conversation every year – across all regions and communities. […] This first edition will support the goals set by the UN for the Decade of Sustainable Transport, in particular by giving young people the opportunity to choose public transport as the ideal solution for their daily journeys. We will powerfully demonstrate the role that public transport plays in people’s lives, stimulating economic growth and connecting cities. One day. Millions of journeys.”
A day dedicated to the benefits of public transport
Through this initiative, UITP aims to raise awareness among citizens and decision-makers about the benefits of public transport: cleaner air, healthier cities, greater social inclusion, and a direct contribution to economic growth.
In Europe alone, public transport generates nearly 60 billion trips annually, and every EUR invested produces four times more economic value. At the same time, investments in public transport create many more jobs than equivalent spending on road infrastructure.
How World Public Transport Day will unfold
On April 17, the campaign will include:
- a 24-hour global launch in all time zones,
- a dedicated campaign website,
- a video manifesto,
- ideas and tools for local activations,
- a complete communication package (logo, visual identity, messages, templates).
Events can range from simple activations in stations and on social media to conferences, dedicated campaigns, and actions to promote sustainable mobility.
Official materials will be available starting December 15, 2025, on the World Public Transport Day website.
UITP states that this global day will provide an annual opportunity for cities and operators to highlight the crucial role of public transport and inspire more people to choose it as their daily mobility solution.
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