National Public Transport Congress · 4th edition
Organised by the Romanian Smart City Association in partnership with URTP - the Romanian Union of Public Transport | the Federation of Urban, Suburban and Metropolitan Passenger Transport OperatorsOrganised by ARSC in partnership with URTP | TUSMC Federation
14 and 15 November 2024 · National Institute of Statistics - Amphitheatre Hall
A national event for passenger public transport in Romania
Organiser: Romanian Smart City Association
The 3rd edition of ROPAT - National Public Transport Congress, organised by the Romanian Smart City Association, took place on 14 and 15 November 2024 at the National Institute of Statistics, another important step in the transformation of urban mobility in Romania.
The event brought together more than 300 participants, including transport operators, public authorities, experts and technology companies. Over two days, the thematic panels, networking sessions and technology presentations offered a valuable space for exchanging ideas and starting strategic partnerships.
Guests included Borbély László (State Counsellor, General Secretariat of the Government), Traian Urban (Director Innovation Hub East, EIT Urban Mobility), Vladimir Ghițulescu (General Manager, TPBI) and Mariana Miclăuș (General Manager, Metrorex). Horváth Ádám of MOL Group also held a special session on low-carbon fuels.
A highlight of the event was the Public Transport Awards Gala, which honoured outstanding initiatives in the sector. The winners included:
Award for Promoting Innovation in Urban Transport.
Excellence in public transport.
Excellence in public transport.
Improving mobility in Constanța.
Innovative fare payment and ticket validation solution.
Looking ahead. ROPAT 2024 highlighted the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in developing sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions. With the support of its sponsors, partners and participants, the event continues to help shape the future of public transport in Romania.
We are already preparing ROPAT 2026, where we will keep exploring the innovations that will transform urban mobility.
ROPAT 2024 supported professional dialogue between transport operators, public authorities, central institutions and private sector companies on modernisation needs, available technologies and implementation experience in public transport.
14 November from 09.00 at the National Institute of Statistics - Amphitheatre Hall
#MobilityForTheFuture
An integrated event
Conference · networking · awards · funding
ROPAT 2024 participants had the chance to win a Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 laptop in a prize draw.
Day 1, 14 November, National Institute of Statistics - Amphitheatre Hall
Networking opportunity for participants
Key messages on why smart and sustainable mobility matters for the development of Romanian cities
Keynote Speakers
Guests:
Topics:
Horváth Ádám, Group DS New and Sustainable Businesses VP at MOL Group - Realistic approach at future low carbon fuels in public transportation - role of hydrogen, biogas and advanced liquid fuels
A chance for participants to continue the discussions in a relaxed setting.
Technology partners and mobility companies presented recent innovations, including autonomous and electric vehicles, digitalisation, equipment and digital ticketing solutions. The panel included transport operators and providers of smart traffic management solutions.
Guests:
Topics:
Guests:
Lunch with an international menu and time for networking
Professor Florin Nemțanu of the Politehnica University of Bucharest (Faculty of Transport) discussed the role of autonomous transport in smart cities, looking at the impact of emerging technologies on urban infrastructure and how they will reshape mobility and transport policy.
This panel brought together legal experts and public sector leaders to discuss the regulation needed to support innovation in public transport, cut carbon emissions and involve the community.
Topics:
Guests:
George Pâslaru, GIS Expert, and Matei Nicula, IT Specialist - TPBI. Open Data Infrastructure for the Bucharest-Ilfov Region.
TPBI's own specialists are building the open data infrastructure in-house, together with an interactive map application. The project aims to meet the needs of developers, citizens and local authorities.
Continued discussions and opportunities for cooperation between participants
A discussion of the funding sources available at European and national level, public-private partnerships and how urban mobility projects are prepared.
Guests:
Topics:
A presentation of the handbook, based on the experience gathered at ROPAT (including the regional editions), with successful examples from the implementation of smart mobility projects.
Recognising excellence in Romanian public transport. Awards were presented for innovative projects, technology initiatives and industry leaders.
On the second day of ROPAT 2024, public transport operators and the intercommunity development associations for public transport (ADIs) were invited to a closed meeting dedicated to the sector. The session was chaired by TPBI General Manager Vladimir Ghițulescu, together with Eduard Dumitrașcu, President of the Romanian Smart City Association.
ROPAT Connect objectives:
All of Romania's intercommunity development associations for public transport, together with their operators, were invited to ROPAT Connect 2024.
Bucharest-Ilfov Public Transport Intercommunity Development Association
National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța
National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications
Bucharest Transport Company
Timișoara Public Transport Company
Brașov Local Transport Company
Brăila
SC Oradea Transport Local SA
NO MORE PLACES AVAILABLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
ROPAT 2024 was the 3rd edition of a national forum dedicated to urban mobility and public transport in Romania. It brought together leaders from the public and private sectors and experts in mobility, technology and sustainability to discuss and shape the future of public transport in the country.
That year's theme was "Smart Mobility for the Cities of Tomorrow", with a particular focus on cooperation between public institutions, technology companies and civil society to develop sustainable and efficient transport solutions.
Exploring the latest public transport solutions, including automated ticketing systems, autonomous vehicles and their supporting infrastructure.
Supporting dialogue between city halls, county councils, ADIs and ministries to coordinate urban mobility plans more effectively.
From technology providers and manufacturers to legal experts and civil society, every voice matters in shaping a public transport system that meets citizens' needs.
Meet industry professionals, representatives of public institutions and technology innovators to build new partnerships.
Join panel discussions, presentations and workshops led by experienced urban mobility specialists.
Be part of an event that showcases the projects and initiatives making a difference in public transport.
ROPAT 2024 was designed for a specific audience of dozens of professionals directly involved in defining, procuring and implementing public transport solutions in Romania. The target audience included:
County council presidents, mayors, deputy mayors and city managers of towns and communes who set mobility priorities.
Directors and managers of public transport companies, responsible for the day-to-day operation of transport networks.
Officials who coordinate regional transport projects and ensure cooperation between administrative bodies.
Responsible for developing and implementing mobility plans at county level.
National-level officials from the Ministries of Transport, Development and Environment and other relevant agencies.
Professionals responsible for running procurement and tender procedures.
Advisers and experts who provide technical and strategic support for public transport projects.
Companies and manufacturers offering innovative technology for public transport.
The ROPAT 2024 Gala continued the tradition of recognising the leaders, institutions, companies and experts who contribute to the development of public transport in Romania. It is the moment when completed projects, operational results and professional contributions in passenger public transport are highlighted.
Recognises the performance and quality of service of public transport operators.
Rewards initiatives that have brought significant improvements in traffic and road transport management.
Recognises leaders in the sector who have shown exceptional vision and management skills.
Rewards technological innovations that have transformed public transport operations.
Recognises efforts to digitalise and modernise public transport infrastructure.
Awarded to initiatives that have built technology into transport services to improve efficiency and accessibility.
Rewards initiatives that have reduced the environmental impact of public transport.
Recognises efforts to optimise energy use in the transport sector.
Awarded to projects that have promoted alternative ways of travelling, such as cycling and walking.
Awarded to projects that have shown a strong commitment to the safety of passengers and transport operations.
Recognises successful partnerships that have supported the development and improvement of public transport services.
Rewards projects that have involved the community in developing and implementing urban mobility solutions.
Event dates: 14 - 15 November
Venue: National Institute of Statistics
Dress code: Cocktail Attire
Access to the event
Tickets - no tickets were sold for this event. Entry was strictly by invitation from the Romanian Smart City Association or one of its official partners.
Information desk
Online, available 24/7 at [email protected]
On site, at the entrance to the main hall.
Health protocol
ARSC takes security and safety seriously.
In a medical emergency, participants were asked to inform the organising team immediately and call 112.
Menu - guests who needed an adapted menu were asked to contact us and tell us about allergens or other dietary needs, so we could avoid any problems.
Transfer service
Transfers were arranged for some international delegations, as needed.
Live streaming
Some parts of the event may have been streamed LIVE. The event was photographed and filmed for documentation and communication purposes. For requests about the published images, write to [email protected].
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
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