World Public Transport Day across Europe: One Day. Millions of Journeys.
At the initiative of UITP, 17 April marked the very first World Public Transport Day, a global moment to recognise the essential role of public transport in keeping our economies moving, connecting people, and shaping liveable cities.
A call to place public transport at the heart of policy
Given its central role in our societies, public transport must be a political priority at both European and national levels. It should be recognised as a pillar of Europe’s economic, social, and energy strategy, supported by sustained investment that reflects its importance.
Across Europe, this message was echoed by operators, authorities and industry partners, who used the day to showcase the many ways public transport supports daily life and drives sustainable urban mobility.
How World Public Transport Day was celebrated across Europe
The day was brought to life through initiatives showcasing innovation, infrastructure, and the people who keep public transport running.
A major milestone was reached in Prague, where the Dvorecký Bridge officially opened to the public. Reserved for trams, buses, cyclists and pedestrians, the new bridge will ease congestion and improve journey times across the city. The inauguration brought together city representatives, including the mayor and project architects, alongside UITP members such as DP Praha, ROPID and IDSK.
Elsewhere, public transport stakeholders engaged directly with passengers and communities through digital campaigns. RATP Dev launched a social media initiative inviting passengers to share why they love public transport, placing users’ voices at the centre of the celebration. Similarly, Transdev and EMT Madrid drove online engagement by highlighting everyday experiences and the human side of public transport.
In the London, Transport for London celebrated the unique identity of its network, showcasing the iconic sounds, heritage stations and announcements that make every journey distinctive reminding passengers that public transport is also part of a city’s cultural fabric.
In Brussels, the day was an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the network, with a joint initiative bringing together STIB-MIVB, TEC, NMBS-SNCB and De Lijn. Their message was clear: public transport is a collective effort, powered every day by the people who operate, maintain and use the system.
European institutions joined the momentum
The momentum behind World Public Transport Day was also reflected at EU level, with engagement from institutions including the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee. This support underlines a shared recognition of public transport as a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable and inclusive future.
As Europe advances towards its climate and mobility objectives, public transport will continue to play a critical role in delivering an efficient, accessible and low-carbon transport system.
