Around the UITP Network | October 2026
Each month, Around the UITP Network brings together selected updates from across the UITP community and the wider public transport sector. From member achievements and innovations to research projects and sector developments, here’s what caught our attention this month.
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From our Members
Autonomous Systems explores depot automation at GVB in Amsterdam
Autonomous Systems has completed an assessment at GVB’s Garage West in Amsterdam, exploring which everyday bus movements could potentially be automated. The study looked at tasks such as moving buses through washing and charging facilities, to and from workshops, and around the depot, examining how automation could support safer and more efficient operations.
Keolis launches new EMBARK 2030 strategy
Keolis has unveiled EMBARK 2030, its new strategic plan for 2027-2030, setting out the Group’s priorities for the years ahead. The strategy focuses on growth, multimodal expertise and innovation, operational performance, and continued commitments to safety, people and ethics.
Siemens Mobility to supply high-speed trains for new lines in Vietnam
Siemens Mobility and VinSpeed have signed a contract worth up to €1 billion for two new high-speed rail lines in Vietnam. Siemens Mobility will supply 10 Velaro Novo trains, capable of speeds of up to 350 km/h, alongside communications and electrification systems for the Hanoi–Quang Ninh and Ben Thanh–Can Gio lines.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network hits major milestone with 500 electric buses
More than 500 electric buses are now operating across Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, up from just 35 before buses began returning to public control three years ago. With a further 163 electric buses set to enter service, Transport for Greater Manchester says the network remains on track for a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
CitySwift cuts London bus journey times by 1.5%
CitySwift’s data platform optimised journey times on London buses by 1.5%, says Transport for London. That’s 27 seconds saved on every optimised journey. Over three years, that saves more than 25 million hours or £230m.
Research & Innovation Projects
eBRT2030 training explores electrifying BRT in São Paulo
eBRT2030 brought together 37 transport professionals from Brazil and Chile in São Paulo to explore the technologies, challenges and real-world lessons of electrifying bus rapid transit systems. Organised by UITP Academy, the training drew on experiences from Curitiba and other cities to look at what successful electrification requires beyond the vehicles themselves, from charging infrastructure and operations to governance and planning.
NAPCORE Mobility Data Days heads to Athens in November
Athens will host mobility professionals, experts and stakeholders on 25-26 November 2026 for two days of discussions on the latest developments, European standards and innovations shaping the future of mobility data at NAPCORE Mobility Data Days.
Urban Mobility Open Payments Forum heads to Montreal for multi-operator payments workshop
Join the Urban Mobility Open Payments Forum on 28 October in Montreal for an interactive workshop exploring open-loop payment integration across operators, held alongside the UITP North America Forum.