As we approach 2030, the urgent need for sustainable solutions is accelerating in every sector. We are entering a new era—where proven solutions that benefit both people and the planet are being scaled and replicated. At ITDP, we know the cross-cutting nature of the urban transport agenda brings us closer to a better world for all. By sharing our strategy transparently, we aim to foster alignment, increase collaboration, and inspire key players in the transport sector to pursue more ambitious and transformative change.
Now, we will double down on our efforts. Four decades of work have shown us what is needed to drive real transformation. This is a key moment when public transport deserves greater attention—it is an area with well-known solutions, and the growing global demand for electric buses presents us with a prime opportunity. Our Plan leverages this experience to scale up and to ensure increased public transport ridership on systems that are fully electrified and well-funded worldwide. Access our 2030 Strategic Plan as a PDF.
ITDP has been at the forefront of the sustainable transport movement since 1985. Long ago, ITDP recognized that a future dominated by fossil fuels and cars would harm not only the planet but also people, particularly those who are less fortunate. Since then, ITDP has been a steadfast champion of public transport, walking, and cycling as the backbone of equitable, green cities.
As the world evolves, so does ITDP. We continually adapt to confront new challenges and seize emerging opportunities to advance our mission. This evolution has led us to expand into diverse areas, including transport electrification, parking reform, and international development finance. We aim to continue refining and scaling our work to achieve more significant impacts for people and the planet.
Looking ahead to the next five years, ITDP’s Strategic Plan emphasizes our commitment to prioritizing public transport. Equitable, sustainable cities are impossible without high-quality, affordable, and resilient public transport that provides people with access to jobs, services, and opportunities. The alternative is chronic traffic, social segregation, economic isolation, skyrocketing emissions and pollution, and mounting road injuries and fatalities.
According to the ITDP–UC Davis study Compact Cities Electrified, we need about 50 million buses and 500,000 kilometers of rapid transport by 2050 to sufficiently meet the needs of rapidly growing cities. Our 2030 Plan prioritizes the need to significantly increase ridership on public transport that is electric and funded at scale. If sustainable transport is to succeed, clean and well-funded public transport must be at its core.