APTA, UNIFE sign MOU

The European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) “to reinforce ties between the European and American rail sectors.”

The MOU was signed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, in Washington D.C. by UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroën and APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy at a reception hosted by the European Union Delegation to the United States. “This agreement outlines a framework for cooperation and information exchange between the two associations,” APTA noted.

“APTA is delighted to work closely with UNIFE, and we look forward to close cooperation and collaboration as both organizations work to advance rail transportation,” Said Melaniphy. “The European and United States rail sectors have much to learn from each other. This Memorandum of Understanding facilitates the sharing of best practices and the robust exchange of information in technical and policy areas.”

“UNIFE is very pleased to formally establish a link with APTA, and we look forward to continued collaboration on our shared challenges,” said Citroën. In addition to sharing many of the same members, APTA and UNIFE have the common goal of promoting rail and public transportation as a solution to future mobility challenges. This MoU follows in the footsteps of an existing MoU between the Federal Railroad Administration and the European Rail Agency signed in 2012 and will add to the transatlantic dialogue and best practice sharing in the domain of rail transport.”

Brussells-based UNIFE represents more than 80 large- and medium-sized European railway suppliers active in the design, manufacture, maintenance, and refurbishment of rail transport systems, subsystems, and related equipment. A further 1,000 suppliers partake in UNIFE activities through 15 national rail industry associations. UNIFE members have an 80% market share in Europe and supply more than 50% of the worldwide production of rail equipment and services.

APTA is a non-profit international association of 1,500 public and private sector organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high speed passenger rail. It is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation.