The award was received by Volvo Buses and transit operator Västtrafik, two of the main partners in ElectriCity. The partnership’s most public aspect is bus route 55, where 10 electrified Volvo buses have been plying the route between the two Chalmers University of Technology campuses since 2015. So far more than 1.5 million passengers have used route 55. ElectriCity is a collaborative project between academia, industry and the public sector.
The awards committee’s verdict was that "this project successfully integrates all elements of modern bus-based mobility solutions and points to the future of bus services worldwide. Its innovative technology is deployed in real operation conditions and it is perfectly integrated in the public transport system."
UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) is an influential organisation that brings together actors in the public transport sector. UITP Awards are given every alternate year, spotlighting ambitious, sustainable and innovative projects that can contribute to increased public transport usage. More than 230 entries were submitted to this year’s competition.
Niklas Gustafsson, chief sustainability officer, Volvo Group, said: “The restructuring of the transport sector is necessary if we are to succeed in creating a sustainable society and the cities of the future. Here sustainable public transport is an important puzzle piece. ElectriCity and bus route 55 is an excellent example on business, academy and public sector cooperation to achieve this. It is very gratifying that it is recognized on an international level.”
Other UTIP awards and winners:
Public transport strategy
Cape Town Transport and Urban Development Authority (South Africa) for the project, ‘Cape Town Transit Oriented Development Strategic Framework’ (TODSF).
Customer experience
City Government of Muntinlupa and the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation (Philippines), for the project, ‘Leading the e-Jeepney revolution in the Philippines’
Smart financing and business models
Addax Assesoria Economica e Financeira LTDA, Empresa Metropolitana de Transportes Urbanos de São Paolo S.A. (Brazil) for the project, ‘Public Private Partnership – Baixanda Santista – Bus and LRT integrate system’.
Small cities and low density areas
Nordjyllands Trafikselskab (NT) – public transport authority of North Denmark for the project ‘Around your world’ offering integrated mobility solution for residents in low density regional settings.
Design
Atkins, Network Rail and MACE (UK) for the ‘Birmingham Gateway Project’
Y4PT young leadership
Ulrich Strötz, Software Team Lead in Door2Door, Germany, has been chosen as the 2017 UITP Young Leader.
Special recognition:
Société du Grand Paris for the “Grand Paris Express” Project.
Moscow City Government, Mosgortrans and Moscow Metro