Interviews with Hamburg’s Public Transport Professionals

October 08, 2024

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If you want to know a city better, speak to its people. And if you want to know the city’s transport network, speak to its public transport professionals!

In UITP’s new report The Future of Mobility is in Hamburg, you can get a head start on the Summit and discover insights from three public transport employees in Hamburg working in different sectors – and hear their top tips for visitors coming to the UITP Summit.

The UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg will provide guests from all over the world with an opportunity to speak in-person to professionals in this happening and ambitious city.

There is much to discuss, from cutting emissions, to cycling, and automation – indeed, Hamburg is a hub for innovation and sustainability and that’s what encourages the 10,000 staff working in public transport in Hamburg.

“We are currently seeing a decrease in the usage of motorised private transport modes, and a shift towards public transport options. We still have a long way to go, but it’s a positive trend. And that’s a good motivation to continue what we do.”

– Julia Wissel, Director of Product, MOIA

Innovation makes Hamburg an exciting place to be both as a passenger and an employee. Hugo Dominik, a bus driver, tells how drivers come from far and wide to work at the Alsterdorf depot in part because it offers top-of-the-range buses.

“We have a large selection of modern electric buses and serve over 18 lines. That’s cool for us drivers”, Hugo continues.

Things are changing fast in Hamburg. In fact, Normen Wiegand, Head of Metro Operations and a HOCHBAHN employee for 21 years, says that one of the biggest recent changes is an improvement in quality, from more modern rolling stock to a denser timetable.

Again, things are only set to get better – Normen points out that with full automation (construction underway!), metro headway times could be 90 seconds instead of 150 seconds today.

“We have to improve, to change mobility, and to have cities worth living in! It’s why I love working with UITP, it’s extremely important to see out-of-the-box ideas and have contacts and see other cities.”

– Normen Wiegand, Head of Metro Operations, HOCHBAHN

Hamburg’s public transport professionals are ambitious, positive, and have a clear vision for the future. Hear them share their vision and discuss the strengths behind the city’s successes!

The UITP Summit is evolving. Starting with the Summit 2025 in Hamburg, from 15 to 18 June, the world’s most important transport event will happen annually. And this is not the only change. Having a Summit every year is also an opportunity to improve every year. Moving forward from Barcelona 2023, the UITP Summit is being upgraded to create a more personalised and inclusive experience. This will enhance three big features of the experience in Hamburg, Dubai, and beyond: comfort, networking, and activities. Like always, over 300 exhibitors will share their innovations and solutions in the main hall. But from now on, the Summit will also offer a new and personalised experience with four distinct passes. Do you prefer the buzz of the exhibition? Or do you want to focus more on networking with your peers? You can now choose the right pass for your ideal experience. Before passes go live in January 2025, here is what is changing to make the UITP Summit an unmissable annual event: Eager to get the Early Bird rate? Be informed as soon as passes are available by signing up to our email list. The UITP Summit is exciting! There are many people to meet and many things to discover. Though sometimes you need to get away to complete some work – or even just to take a simple break. Networking Zones A relaxed space with all-day refreshments and weather protection will provide a comfortable place to socialise. Work Zones No need to leave the venue to find a moment of quiet. The Summit 2025 will have cosy co-working spaces with desks, charging sockets, comfy sofas, and a printer. With thousands in attendance, as well as hundreds of exhibitors to visit, it helps to have places to break the ice and make deeper connections. The new networking sessions will also focus on specific topics, so that you can find the right crowd for you. Breakfast Bytes Get motivated for the day with a coffee and breakfast roundtable session. Mix & Mingle At the end of each day, quick knowledge sessions offer the time and space (and drinks!) to enjoy a more informal networking opportunity. The Summit 2025 offers four tiers of passes, building on the two from previous editions. With clearer differentiation, it is easier to customise your experience to better match your budget, role, and priorities. And in turn, you can build your ideal UITP Summit – one that you will look forward to every year! Top tip: The earlier you book, the more you save. Good to know: Starting now, current members of the UITP policy board and working bodies can enjoy our Exchange Pass at a reduced rate, with access to all networking, congress sessions, exhibition, and more. Find the right pass for you. Compare passes here!

Interviews with Hamburg’s Public Transport Professionals

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