Introducing a Global Organization for Public Transit Professionals

Although it is 100-plus years of age and has over 35,000 members, few public transit professionals are aware of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, or CILT. 

CILT operates in 35 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Membership is open to anyone who works in, or has deep engagement with, transportation. This encompasses transit, logistics, passenger transportation, and transport policy or planning.  

Membership is a modest $80 to $215 annual fee, depending on membership grade.

Each grade, from Affiliate, Member, Chartered Member, to Fellow brings post-nominals, such as CMILT, which can be used alongside a member’s name to demonstrate membership of this internationally recognized and independent body of transportation professionals. (This independence is a key aspect of CILT. The “Chartered” part of its name reflects a coveted status as an independent charitable organization awarded in 1926 by the British crown). 

In most of the English-speaking world, the word “Chartered” is a recognition of accomplishments — a “Chartered Accountant” is the equivalent of the American “CPA.”  Thus, the ability to use post-nominals as part of membership is a public recognition of individual qualifications and accomplishments. 

About CILT

The ethos of CILT is to be an independent and informed association, which develops the art and science of transportation through research, education, networking, and the sharing of ideas.

Members are from the many strands of transportation. This diversity is one of the popular reasons for joining CILT, as this exposure to less familiar segments of transportation can provide valuable cross-pollinizing insights.

CILT also appeals to polymaths in transportation who may work in one segment, such as public transit, but have interests in other segments such as urban logistics or aviation.  

Benefits of CILT Membership

In addition to a detailed weekly newsletter of transportation events, membership also provides access to a huge knowledge center of digital research resources and free or reduced registration to CILT’s many in-person and digital events in North America and beyond. 

But the greatest benefits of membership of this global organization is the opportunity to be active in regional, national, or international groups; contribute to industry forums; and to network with peers and leaders at CILT events.

As a member of CILT you also have access to a platform for your experience to be aired as a speaker or panel expert.

If you would like to learn more about CILT and are interested in joining please go to https://ciltna.com/ for more information. Or contact me at uschapter@ciltna.com.