LANDER joins UITP

Following its recent membership of the Spanish rail organisation, Mafex, Lander continues to forge ties with major transport bodies and has just joined UITP, the International Association of Public Transport.

This not-for-profit organisation was formed in 1885 by King Leopold II in Brussels and today represents a network of 1,600 members in 96 countries. These members are public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, research institutes and the public transport supply and service industry. UITP represents short-distance transport, i.e. metro, tram and light rail, regional and urban rail and buses.

According to the association, public transport services contribute between 140-150 bn euros a year to the EU's economy, in other words 1-1.2% of GDP. Also, each year 55% of passenger journeys are made by bus, 32 billion, or 14%, are made by tram and light rail, 16% by metro and 14% by regional rail.

It is safe to say that all modes of public transport are growing in popularity, with numerous projects planned all around the world. That is why Lander feels it is important to be involved as closely as possible with the sector and to discover the industry's concerns moving forward.

UITP works on various aspects such as security, research and innovation, standardisation, rail, bus etc. and now Lander will be able to benefit from the body's wealth of knowledge and continue to work alongside its customers to develop simulation training sessions which adapt to their individual requirements.