All Aboard: World Public Transport Day Puts Everyday Journeys in the Spotlight

Public transport systems across the globe have taken centre stage as the first-ever World Public Transport Day was celebrated, shining a light on the vital role buses, trains, trams and shared mobility play in daily life.

The initiative, launched by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), took place for the first time on 17 April 2026, with organisations from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas joining in events and awareness campaigns.

Designed as an annual celebration, the day aims to highlight how public transport underpins not just travel, but also economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development. UITP described it as a global platform to showcase the “critical role public transport plays in our everyday lives” and the success of cities and communities worldwide.

UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani said the initiative is about putting people at the centre of mobility discussions, using the day to demonstrate how transport networks connect lives and drive prosperity.

UK Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy echoed this sentiment, describing the day as a celebration of both the journeys people take and the individuals who keep networks running. He emphasised that public transport is more than just getting from A to B—it connects communities, opens opportunities and enables access to jobs, healthcare and social experiences.

Alongside the celebrations, UITP also used the occasion to call on governments to treat public transport as a critical public service. The organisation stressed the need for continued investment to ensure systems remain efficient, affordable and resilient, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and fluctuating energy costs.

Positioned as part of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, World Public Transport Day is expected to become a permanent fixture in the global calendar, with support already secured from partners in over 60 countries.

From daily commutes to once-in-a-lifetime journeys, the message was clear: public transport keeps the world moving—and it deserves to be celebrated.