Istanbul Hosts 100th UITP Metro Assembly: A treasure prepared for Future of Urban Mobility

The 100th UITP Metro Assembly, held in Istanbul from December 13 to 15, marked a significant milestone in the realm of public transport. This annual gathering brought together representatives from 37 cities spanning 26 countries. Istanbul, a city at the crossroads of history and modernity, showcased its ambitious plans for the expansion of its metro system to address the challenges of a bustling metropolis.

The gathering was greeted by Brieuc de Meeùs, UITP Metro Division Chairman and CEO of Societe des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles, Özgür Soy, Metro Istanbul General Manager, and Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General.

At the assembly’s opening, Mrs. Pelin Alpkökin, Istanbul Municipality Deputy Secretary General, unveiled plans to triple the city’s metro system by 2029. This expansion, aimed at accommodating the needs of the 20-million-strong population, is positioned as a key strategy for sustainable urban mobility, offering solutions for current and future generations.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, outlined Istanbul’s perspective on the metro as the backbone of urban mobility, with plans to allocate approximately 40 percent of the 2024 investment budget to rail systems. The city’s commitment is evident in the construction of 14 kilometers of rail system annually, contributing to a substantial increase in metro capacity, boasting about 20 million journeys each year.

Özgür Soy, Metro Istanbul General Manager, underscored the significance of the 100th Metro Assembly in the context of the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Istanbul’s metro system has rebounded, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. Notable achievements include the integration of the Istanbulkart system, responsible for 8.8 million of the 12 million public transportation journeys.

Delegates at the assembly engaged in discussions on the costs, revenue, and ridership within the new normal. Although ridership has largely recovered, financing operations and projects remains a challenge. The integration of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a crucial theme, with metros worldwide exploring digital twins and AI applications for safety assurance, predictive maintenance, and optimizing passenger flow.

The 100th UITP Metro Assembly in Istanbul provided a platform for global leaders in public transport to exchange ideas and insights. Istanbul’s commitment to metro expansion reflects a broader trend toward sustainable urban mobility, with technological advancements playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of metro systems worldwide. As the city continues to invest in its metro infrastructure, Istanbul aims to not only move its people efficiently but also become a treasure in itself—a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and progress.