UITP North America Conference 2025

Sponsored by TMS

Join us as we open the UITP North America Conference with leaders from LA Metro, UITP, and APTA. Hear how Los Angeles is reimagining mobility, how UITP connects our region to the global transit community, and how partnerships across associations are shaping the future of public transport.

Speakers:

• Stephanie Wiggins – CEO – LA Metro – USA
• Nadine Lee – CEO/Chair – DART/UITP – USA
• Leanne Redden – Executive Director / Chair – RTA/APTA – USA 

Speaker : Endre Angelvik – Executive Vice President of Radical Innovation –  Ruter – Norway

At a pivotal moment for public transportation worldwide, this plenary brings together visionary transit leaders to share bold ideas and innovative approaches that are redefining mobility. Discover how leadership is driving transformative change: from embracing cutting-edge technologies and advancing climate action to fostering inclusive communities and resilient systems. Be inspired by a dynamic conversation about shaping a sustainable, connected future that empowers cities and people everywhere.

Moderator: Leanne Redden – Executive Director/Chair – RTA-APTA – USA  

Speakers:

• Stephanie Wiggins – CEO – LA Metro – USA
• David Vitezy – Former CEO – BKK – Hungary
• Joan Bigas – Director of Mobility for the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona – AMB – Spain 
• Kevin Corbett – Senior Fellow – Rutgers University – USA 

Discover the latest innovations transforming how transit agencies engage with their customers. From intuitive wayfinding and streamlined payment options to enhanced digital platforms, learn how technology and design are creating more accessible, convenient, and responsive transit experiences. Gain insights into practical strategies that improve rider satisfaction and meet evolving expectations in an increasingly digital world.

Moderator : Betsy Plum – Executive Director – Riders Alliance – USA

Sponsor: HDR 

Speakers

• Robin Woods – Consultant – RobinWorldwide – UK
• Jennifer Vides – chief Customer Experience Officer – LA Metro – USA 
• Boris Matz – Managing Director – Axon Vibe – Denmark
• Jonathan Hill – Head of Transit Partnerships – Google Wallet – UK 

Explore how transit agencies are navigating the evolving political landscape around zero-emission goals while accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility. From fleet electrification and infrastructure upgrades to policy adaptation and stakeholder engagement, learn how agencies are responding to new regulations, funding opportunities, and public expectations. Gain insights into innovative strategies that reduce carbon footprints and deliver clean, reliable, and equitable transit service in a rapidly changing environment.

Moderator : Roland Cordero – Director of Maintenance and Vehicle Technologies – Foothill Transit – USA 

Sponsor: Stadler 

Speakers:

• Michelle Jones – Consultant – Jacobs – Canada
• Matt Dake – Deputy COO – LA Metro – USA 
• Martin Ritter – CEO – Stadler USA – USA 

Creating safe and secure transit systems requires more than infrastructure upgrades or surveillance tools: it demands a holistic approach that combines technology, design, operations, and organizational culture. This session will explore how agencies are leveraging innovations in safety and security while fostering environments that prioritize passenger well-being and frontline worker confidence. From station design and digital monitoring to staff training and community engagement, speakers will share strategies for building transit systems that feel safe, are safe, and reflect the values of the communities they serve.

Moderator : Andre Soehnchen – Consultant – UITP – Netherlands 

Speakers :

• Hafid Naqual – Director of Security, Crisis and Emergency – France 
• William Scott – Chief of Police Emergency Management – LA Metro – USA 

Moderator: Jannet Walker Ford – Planning – WSP – USA 

Sponsor: WSP Global

Speakers

• Conan Cheung – Chief Operating Officer – LA Metro – USA
• Racha Lefevre – Project Manager – Olympic and Paralympic Games – RATP –  France 
• Rob DeMayo – Vice President of Operations – TMS – USA 
• Ivan Lileev – Depot Manager – Mowasalat – Qatar 

Moderator : Brian Borrego – Principal Talent Development Specialist – LA Metro – USA 

Speakers:

• Dr Jubria Lewis – Founding Head of School for The SEED School of Los Angeles County – SEED School – USA 
• Dawn Jackson-Perkins – Chief People Officer – LA Metro – USA 

Moderator: Emma Huang – Prinicpal Consultant – Infrastrategies – USA 

Sponsor : GIRO 

Speakers:

• Endre Angelvik – Executive Vice President of Radical Innovation – Ruter – Norway
• Xavier Arrufat – CEO – Awaait – Spain 
• Ahsan Baig – CIO/CTO – AC Transit – USA 
• Marty Beard – CEO – Hayden AI – USA 

Sponsor : GIRO

Explore the diverse approaches transit agencies and mobility providers are taking to integrate autonomous vehicle technology. From cutting-edge innovations to policy frameworks and real-world deployments, this session examines how different regions and organizations are navigating the challenges and opportunities of autonomous mobility. Gain insights into the evolving landscape shaping the future of transit and shared transportation.

Moderator:

• Henriette Cornet – Co-Director of the AV & the City initiative – University of San Francisco – USA

Sponsor : Beep 

Speakers:

• Arielle Fleisher – Policy Development and Research Manager – Waymo – USA
• Nat Ford – CEO – Jacksonville Transportation Authority – USA 
• Rainer Becker – Business Development Director – MOIA – Germany 
• Kevin Reid – Chairmian & CEO – Beep – USA 

As transit agencies play an increasingly vital role in addressing urban challenges, this session explores how they are integrating climate action, housing policy, and equitable access into their core missions. Learn how innovative collaborations and strategic planning are enabling agencies to support sustainable development, reduce environmental impacts, and improve mobility options for diverse communities. Discover the expanding responsibilities and opportunities for transit to shape healthier, more inclusive cities.

Speakers:

• Cedric Auboin – Head of Cabinet – IDFM – France 
• Tamim Raad – Senior Principal – Access Planning – Canada 

From large-scale capital expansions to essential state of good repair investments, delivering transit projects on time and on budget remains a persistent challenge. This session brings together agency leaders and industry experts to examine the strategies, tools, and governance models that help keep projects—both new builds and ongoing reinvestments—on track. Discussion will explore how agencies are improving cost forecasting, managing risk, coordinating with contractors, and building internal capacity to deliver results in an increasingly complex and resource-constrained environment.

Sponsored by: Mott MacDonald

Moderator: Sarp Ersoylu – Vice President – Mott MacDonald – USA 

Speakers:

• Dee Leggett – EVP Growth and Regional Development – DART – USA 
• Sara Frank – Head of Business Area economy, quality and security – Västtrafik – Sweden 
• Andy Off – Deputy General Manager – WMATA – USA 
• Justin Fornelli – VP, Capital Delivery – Metrolink – USA 

Examine how transit agencies are leveraging data as a critical resource to drive decision-making and improve service outcomes. Explore best practices in data governance, secure sharing, and collaborative use that maximize transparency and value across organizations. Learn how strategic data management supports innovation, operational efficiency, and meaningful impact for both agencies and the communities they serve.

Moderator: Eric Plosky – Executive Director – MobilityData – USA 

Speakers:

• Gabriella Nilsson – Head of Analysis – Trafikförvaltningen, Region Stockholm – Sweden
• Ludwig Desjardins – Executive Director of Development and Performance – ARTM – Canada 
• Arjan Van Andel -Director of Business Development and Innovation – GIRO Inc

As we close the conference, leaders from UITP, APTA, and the California Transit Association will reflect on the key themes, challenges, and ideas that emerged over the past two days—and look ahead to what’s next for public transportation. With perspectives spanning local, national, and global contexts, this conversation will explore how associations are working together to advance shared priorities across the sector, from funding and workforce to innovation, climate, and equity. Join us for this closing dialogue on how collaboration and collective leadership can turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s impact.

Moderator: Nadine Lee – CEO/Chair – DART – USA

Speakers:

• Petra Mollet – Vice President – APTA – USA 
• Jaspal Singh – Senior Director – UITP – Canada 
• Michael Pimentel – Executive Director – California Transit Association – USA 

Speakers:

• Stephanie Wiggins: CEO – LA Metro – USA
• Nadine Lee: CEO/Chair – DART/UITP – USA