The International Transport Forum 2010 was held in Leipzig, Germany from May 26 to 28. This year it focused on innovation in public transport.

During the event, Ministers from over 50 countries, as well as businesspeople, researchers and public servants, debated about strategies for transportation in the world.

In a joint press release, the International Transport Forum, an intergovernmental organization linked to the OECD, and the International Association of Public Transport, which has more than 3,200 members (public transport authorities and operators, industry…) from 90 countries, made public the decision of the jury, composed of 7 worldwide experts in transportation.

The Prize, which recognizes the most innovative projects for high quality, efficient and environmentally friendly public transport, was awarded for the integration of Madrid’s transportation system, the main exponent of which is the Interchange Station Plan, developed by the Madrid Transportation Consortium (CRTM). For almost 25 years, the CRTM has planned, organized and managed in an integrated fashion the different modes of transportation in the Community (Metro, EMT, urban and interurban buses, light rails…) facilitating the structural support for, and cohesion of, such a heterogeneous and constantly growing society.

More than 25 cities from 23 different countries competed for the award, which reflects the difficulty in choosing the winner as well as the importance that the various Administrations and companies in the sector around the world give to quality public transportation, a key component in achieving efficient mobility.

In second place were two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, from the Kent County Council (UK) and Ahmedabad Janmarg (India). Special mention was received by the systems from Leipzig, Bangalore and the Swedish Public Transport Association.