THE CURRENT ‘collaboration agreement’ between the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and UITP Australia New Zealand (UITPANZ) is set to end on 30 June, 2022, the organisations have jointly announced.
As indicated in a statement released late today, UITPANZ will transition into a new, stand-alone association with a new name that will, “…focus on the unique challenges facing the public transport sector in Australia and New Zealand,” it explains.
Both associations will continue to work together in, “…advancing public transport and sustainable mobility through joint projects,” they confirm.
The new public transport association for Australia and New Zealand will continue to deliver its services including events, networking, policy development and thought leadership in the region, UITPANZ (listed online as a regional office of UITP) explains. This step allows the association to focus solely on understanding and responding to the local needs of its members, it adds.
UITP, meanwhile, will continue to bring together all public transport and urban mobility stakeholders from across the globe. Interestingly, this will mean that as of 1 July, 2022, UITP will continue its work in Australia and New Zealand to promote sustainable transport with its membership by: “…releasing publications and statistics, organising events, leading research projects and delivering training programmes.”
MORE TO COME
In February, 2022, more details will be provided on the options available for future membership of both UITP and the new public transport association for Australia and New Zealand, the statement explains.
“We look forward to continuing our cooperation as we work to achieve our common goal of creating sustainable mobility for all,” it concluded.
We ABC magazine sought further clarification as to which party instigated the split and what were the reasons given that drove the decision-making process, an International Association of Public Transport Australia/New Zealand (UITPANZ) spokesperson replied: “Public transport around the world has dramatically changed over the last 20 years since UITPANZ was formed. The sector in Australia and New Zealand has grown and matured enormously, with the framework for operation and service delivery evolving its own distinct approach. That is why UITP and UITPANZ have determined that the interests of our members in Australia and New Zealand will be best served by a new premier peak body for public transport in Australia and New Zealand that focuses on the unique challenges facing our region.”
“This is the natural next step for an already successful association and provides the ideal platform to focus solely on understanding and responding to the local needs of its members.
“It is an exciting opportunity to deepen cross-jurisdictional sharing and collaboration for all public transport sector stakeholders in our region.
“The new public transport association for Australia and New Zealand will work with its members and the broader industry to shape the future of public transport in our region and make a real difference to the lives of millions of people,” they stated.
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