PUTTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT TOP OF THE POLITICAL AGENDA

This article explains the policy of UITP, the International Association of Public Transport. Its main role is to study and promote use of public transport, but recently, according to the Secretary General, Hans Rat, the emphasis has changed. Journeys make use of a range of transport options as mobility increases. Traffic flows need to be improved, and urban congestion is a concern. Transport authorities should help increase the capacity of public transport by traffic control and parking policies encouraging the choice of public transport. The association's network can help promote innovative approaches to increased mobility in urban areas. Parking policy is seen as a particularly effective instrument in the management of urban mobility: however, all urban measures can only be successful if a good alternative transport option is available.