Urban Transport Group celebrates first World Public Transport Day

World Public Transport Day logo

The Urban Transport Group (UTG) is today (17 April 2026) celebrating the first-ever World Public Transport Day. 

Organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), World Public Transport Day celebrates journeys, people and the freedom to move. 

As a member of UITP, UTG proudly supports this new global awareness day and the essential role that public transport plays in our lives and communities. 

Public transport gives people access to jobs, education and other opportunities, while cutting carbon and creating healthier, more connected communities. 

UTG’s members across the UK are offering their support for the day. 

Lord Hendy, the UK’s Rail Minister and a past President of UITP (whilst at Transport for London), recorded this special video message to demonstrate the Government’s support for World Public Transport Day.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, also championed the role that public transport plays in his home city of Greater Manchester, filming a message for the day, as well as UTG Chair Richard McGuckin.

Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General, said: 

“We want to put people at the heart of public transport and make sure that the ways in which we move contribute to a large global conversation each year – in every region and every community.  

“Our day of celebration will be powered by UITP’s 2,000 members in 100 countries, across every mode, including shared and on-demand mobility solutions, and with messages playing out from Australia to the Americas, Europe to Africa, and everywhere in between.” 

World Public Transport Day was unveiled at the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport in New York in December 2025.

It is hoped that the day will help to deliver against the goals set out by the UN for this Decade of Sustainable Transport, in particular empowering young people to be able to choose public transport as the perfect way to get around, each and every day.

Join the celebration

There are many ways to get involved in World Public Transport Day 2026

  • Keep the WPTD conversation going on social media - make sure to use #WorldPublicTransportDay
  • A wrap-up video will be developed featuring videos and images of activities from around the world. And debuted at a UITP members-only webinar on 23 April 2026. Register for the video premiere
  • A free online training is being organised by UITP Academy on: Step into the Future of Public Transport. Find out more and register for the event
  • The UITP Asia-Pacific office is organising a livestream featuring cities across the region sharing real stories, innovations, and initiatives from the ground, highlighting how public transport is transforming everyday life. For more information and register for the livestream celebration
  • UITP's Public Transport Benefits toolkit will be revamped with a fresh new look.
  • A global Spotify playlist to listen to during the Day. Add your favourite songs about public transport, or what you like to listen to while on board to the playlist