BACKGROUND

Cities of Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries are experiencing a rapid development which is leading to an important urban sprawl. Consequently urban and regional mobility is increasing and, due to the lack of public transport infrastructure and efficient systems, is resulting to severe issues including congestion, pollution, over-consumption of energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.

In this context, a number of agglomerations are planning or implementing ambitious projects in order to develop public transport networks and improve their quality. The present period is favourable to exchanges with cities which have experienced similar problems in the past such as those of the Northern Mediterranean countries, but also between Southern cities, in order to discuss possible solutions and draw lessons from past experience.

It is in this context that UITP Middle-East and North Africa Division and Tunis Transport Company (Société des Transports de Tunis - TRANSTU) organise a public transport seminar in Tunis from 24 to 26 March 2008.