This June, PAVE Europe was thrilled to attend the UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg – one of the leading events dedicated to sustainable urban mobility. The summit gathered transport authorities, operators, policymakers and technology providers to explore the future of mobility.
Our activities throughout the summit focused on demonstrating how autonomous vehicles (AVs) can help tackle some of today’s most pressing transport challenges. Through dynamic panel discussions, networking events, and innovation guided tours, we engaged with different stakeholders to share insights and strategies for integrating AVs into the public transport ecosystem in ways that are efficient, equitable and people-first.
The Future of Public Transportation: Embracing Autonomous Mobility
A key milestone of our presence at UITP was the launch of our most recent white paper, “The Future of Public Transportation: Embracing Autonomous Mobility.” This publication offers an analysis of the potential for AVs to transform public transportation across European cities. It highlights how autonomous mobility can help address inequities in service, reduce operational costs, ease driver shortages, and cut carbon emissions. All whilst stressing the importance of public trust, safety, and inclusive deployment.
We were thrilled to present the white paper during a dedicated session at the MOIA booth on the final day of the summit. Guido Di Pasquale moderated a panel discussion with Jonas Wigger (MOIA), Elsa Lanaud (French Ministry of Ecological Transition), Thomas Drewes (Deutsche Bahn), John Mc Sweeney (UITP) and Javier Guimera, (Padam Mobility). Together, they explored both the strategic opportunities and operational realities of deploying AVs at scale.
From Deployment Challenges to Workforce Readiness
We also contributed to several sessions that tackled the wider ecosystem of AV deployment – from overcoming policy and technical barriers to preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
As part of the ULTIMO project side event, we joined other stakeholders on the learnings from EU-funded demonstration projects and discussed how to scale on-demand AV services in real public transport contexts. This session drew on experience from both industry and the public sector, reinforcing the need for shared approaches to service design, regulation and more.
In the panel “A Changing Landscape for Jobs?”, we explored the evolving roles that are emerging in the autonomous mobility sector as well as the competencies that are needed to support these transitions. Representing the CCAM-ERAS project, Guido Di Pasquale emphasized the importance of training, upskilling and inclusivity in the workforce transformation process.
On the final day of the summit, we were proud to host a skills workshop alongside partners from the CCAM-ERAS project. The workshop brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies that are needed for shaping a future workforce that’s prepared, adaptable and diverse.
Connecting with our Community
UITP 2025 was also an opportunity for hands-on and informal engagement. During the Innovation Guided Tour: Automation on the Move, PAVE Europe presented alongside other exhibitors on the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology and services. We were thrilled to host a networking breakfast with New Mobility Solutions Hamburg, offering a space for members and invited guests to share experiences and foster new connections.
We were especially pleased to see so many PAVE Europe members actively participating and exhibiting throughout the summit. This included Deutsche Bahn, HOLON, Imagry, MOIA, New Mobility Solutions – Hamburg, Padam Mobility, rms, Ruter, Transdev, and of course, UITP. From showcase innovative shared mobility solutions to leading conversations on deployment, our members helped demonstrate the real-world impact and potential of autonomous transport across Europe.
Looking Ahead: Integration through Trust and Collaboration
The UITP Summit 2025 was a strong reminder that the future of autonomous mobility will be shaped by collaboration, public engagement and policy alignment. Across every conversation – whether about deployment, barriers, safety, workforce transformation or user needs – a clear message emerged: trust is essential for the successful integration of AVs.
PAVE Europe remains committed to building that trust, through education, engagement, and open dialogue, and to supporting cities and communities as they explore new mobility possibilities. We thank UITP for hosting an inclusive and exciting event, and we look forward to continuing the conversations that started in Hamburg!
You can download our new white paper “The Future of Public Transportation: Embracing Autonomous Mobility” here.
About PAVE Europe
Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) Europe is a non-profit coalition that seeks to raise the level of public knowledge of automated vehicle technology and the potential benefits for safety, mobility, equity, and congestion. PAVE Europe’s diverse membership includes international corporations, start-ups, consumer advocates, nonprofit groups, and other stakeholders. PAVE Europe seeks to educate and facilitate dialogue among industry, policymakers, and the public to advance the development and deployment of AV technology.
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