UITP announced its Policy Board gathered in Riyadh from Nov. 22 to 23 to address the issues facing public transport, according to the organization's news release.

The Policy Board brought 60 urban mobility leaders from across the globe together to voice concerns on the most pressing matters confronting public transport today.

The UITP Policy Board is composed of UITP Executive Board members, chairs of each Division and Thematic Committees, the PresCom chair, and national representatives according to the Bylaws.

UITP said public transport should receive the support required to face soaring energy bills and the insurance that it is a major and strategic contribution to economic and social life.

“An essential part of city life, often a solution to many issues, public transport is no different than other sectors when it comes to the current challenges the world is facing," said Mohamed Mezghani, UITP secretary general. "With inflation, the energy crisis, labor shortages, and the ongoing concerns over climate change, the issues that society is facing are also impacting public transport. By bringing so many international experts together, UITP is best placed to work with the leaders in our sector to consider what solutions may exist to these ongoing problems. The UITP Policy Board will lead that direction in considering ideas and solutions for public transport in the months ahead.”

Members of the Policy Board also shared their own experiences and strategies to best address the labor shortage within the workforce, agreeing on the importance of profiling the sector as the employer of choice while also developing employer branding.

The topic of fares and fare structure in many countries was also discussed. Several members shared their experiences on various trends related to fares and how this further calls for a new financially resilient model for the sector.

Heading into 2023, UITP said it will continue to address issues for consideration with leaders in the sector.