The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) accepted an invitation to be the “Guest of Honor” at the next European Mobility Exhibition in Paris in June 2018.

“As we continue our transportation revolution in L.A. County — embarking on construction of 40 major mobility projects in the next 40 years — we have so much to share with the transportation community around the world,” said Metro Board Chair John Fasana. “It’s an exciting time for public transit, as the world recognizes its importance to quality of life. We look forward to exchanging ideas with our compatriots in Europe and the U.S., as together we plan for a positive future.”

The event is organized by GIE Objectif Transport Public, which has formed a partnership with the American Public Transportation Assn. to forge closer ties between the transit industry in France, the rest of Europe and the U.S. The exhibition is designed to encourage the sharing of mobility best practices, develop innovation, and tackle the transition from private vehicles to sustainable mobility, especially in major cities.

“France and the U.S. have many common challenges and opportunities for the development of our public transportation systems,” said APTA Chair Doran Barnes. “The cooperation with GIE allows us to exchange best practices and innovative solutions and continue to learn from each other.”

These topics will feature prominently at the APTA Expo Oct. 9- to 1, 2017, in Atlanta and the European Mobility Exhibition June 12 to 14, 2018 in Paris.

“International collaboration is of paramount importance to the delivery of innovative and comprehensive mobility services to all of our communities,” said Los Angeles Metro CEO Phillip Washington. “We are thrilled to share best practices with our colleagues so that we can provide universally excellent user experiences to the world’s population.”

GIE and Metro have established a long-term partnership between public transportation agencies in Paris and Los Angeles to promote collaboration and learning between transit agencies around the globe in pursuit of sustainable mobility systems. GIE will feature Metro’s work and accomplishments at the European Mobility Exhibition.