“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple ©

Ever since their early days, metros have been a daring venture combining an enlightened vision, engineering know-how and human commitment. More than a century later, this is still the case. In many cities, systems are being expanded, modernised or created, and in an era of galloping urbanisation and mega-cities, this trend is set to continue.
Today, metros have to constantly improve their performance in order to meet growing demand without compromising safety. They need to be the natural answer to increasingly complex travel patterns. They must satisfy expectations of comfort and user-friendliness, and fit into the urban lifestyle. Technology holds the key. It is however not a means to an end; it must add value to the service and enhance the company’s cost-efficiency.

In recent years, ‘innovation’ in metros became synonymous with the concept of ‘driverless operation’ for many people. Whilst this trend towards automation of rolling stock and systems is certainly taking hold, there is much more to innovation than this. High-tech information, ticketing and security devices can all improve customer care. Metros can also offer complimentary services such as continuous mobile phone capability, loyalty schemes and wireless connections.

The 3rd UITP Metro Conference will provide you with solid insight into all these issues from around the globe.

By December, the latest fully automatic metro will have started commercial revenue service in Lausanne. Not so long ago, conventional wisdom argued that only cities with a critical minimal size could be eligible for such investment. Over the past few years however, new models for both investment and operation costs have been emerging. This allows medium-sized cities to join the club of metros. This change in paradigm is another effect of technological innovation. Discover why with UITP in Lausanne...