APTA, UITP sign pact on joint programs, training

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and Union International des Transports Public (UITP) last week signed an agreement to work together on mutual areas of interest, the organizations announced today.

UITP is an international network of 1,500 members, which include public transportation authorities, policy makers, research institutes and the transit supply and service industry.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed Sept. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. The agreement calls for the two associations to organize joint events on topics of common interest, as well as on joint training and educational programs, APTA and UITP officials said in a press release.

"We have identified many areas for concrete exchange of best practices and know-how from electrification to addressing the evolving mobility environment," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas.

The first topics identified for cooperation are electric buses and new mobility services, APTA and UITP officials said.

"The agreement will strengthen the bond between our two member-led associations, further highlighting not only APTA's vastly important presence in American urban life, but also UITP's global reach," said UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani.