How can intelligent IT solutions make public transport more convenient, easier and more secure? IT-TRANS, the International Conference and Exhibition on IT Solutions for Public Transport, will explore answers to this question from 18 to 20 February 2014 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center. At the fourth IT-TRANS, experts will present mobility solutions for tomorrow, based on the latest information technology. Companies from around the globe will display their products and services.
The organisers of this leading international event are the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and Karlsruher Messe- und Kongress-GmbH (KMK). Some 150 exhibitors from 60 nations are expected. IT-TRANS is aimed at all players in the public transport sector, particularly decision-makers from transportation companies and representatives of the private sector, government and professional associations. Strong partners offer high-calibre programme
Conference to spotlight security issues
For the first time, the IT-TRANS conference will include security issues among its areas of focus, with sessions held on all three days. Many transportation companies are willing to invest in modern technologies to improve security in vehicles, at bus or tram stops, etc., because it presents them with a major opportunity to save costs, for example those incurred through vandalism. Topics include video surveillance, crisis management, access control and passenger alarm systems. The session on cyber security will also look at the threat that internet attacks pose to IT systems, securityrelated applications and products at the trade fair.
More topics und international speakers featured at conference
In keeping with the multitude of issues and short innovation cycles in this industry, the organisers have once again expanded the conference programme in 2014. The topics covered in the programme have been selected based on the current concerns and urgent questions in this market. High-calibre international speakers from industry and academia will offer their professional expertise. The conference consists of a total of eleven sessions and six workshops; on two days parallel sessions will be held for the first time. Top topics include innovations in passenger information systems, eticketing, mobile ticketing/mobile phone apps and social media.
Applying best practices to real-world challenges: Market Updates and technical visit
The topics covered at the conference can be seen in real-world applications at the trade fair. In the Market Updates, exhibitors present best-practice examples which can provide suggestions and tips for business operations. Interested visitors can take advantage of these events on all three days of the trade fair. The trade fair programme is supplemented by the chance to participate in a technical visit that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK - Karlsruhe Transport Company). The Karlsruhe public transport system (Karlsruhe Model) serves as a pioneering model for connecting an urban tram network with the national railway network.
Industry representatives at the trade fair
Impressed by the success and visitor popularity of IT-TRANS 2012, many key industry players have already registered well in advance for the 2014 trade fair. A total of 150 exhibitors are expected to present innovations related to travel information, integrated fare management, smart cards, software in public transport, transportation management, fleet and vehicle management, security systems, data protection, communication technologies, infotainment systems, city bikes and car sharing.
IT-TRANS premiered in Karlsruhe in 2008. Within a short period the event, which is held every two years, succeeded in becoming the most important platform for IT solutions for public transport worldwide. The secret to its success is its strong partners. UITP has 3,400 members and is the most important representative of the public transport sector worldwide. UITP has a strategy to double the global market share of public transport by 2025 supported by the ‘Grow with Public Transport’ campaign. The campaign targets policy makers worldwide to convince them of the urgent need for more and better public transport by highlighting the benefits of sustainable mobility.
