A global call to fix and future-proof public transport
The Future is Public Transport is a global campaign co-led by C40 Cities and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). It brings together mayors, transport workers, union leaders, community groups, and residents to advocate for urgent investment in city public transport.
The goal: double the proportion of public transport journeys in cities and advance a just transition to zero-emission public transport by 2030. Without this transformation, countries can’t deliver on the urgent goal to halve emissions this decade.
The case for investing in public transport
The campaign highlights public transport as a climate, economic, health, and social solution.
Cuts emissions at scale
Enhancing public transport and reducing car dependency could deliver 20–45% of the emissions reductions needed to halve fossil fuel use.
Strengthens city economies
Doubling public transport use could create 4.5 million good, green jobs and save USD 5 trillion per year until 2050, with an estimated USD 5 return for every USD 1 invested.
Expands access and opportunity
Good public transport connects people to work, education, healthcare, and daily services, while easing congestion and reducing pollution.
Improves health and safety
Better public transport means cleaner air, more active travel, and safer streets, lowering the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The campaign’s call to reshape city mobility
The campaign focuses on the key shifts cities and national governments must make to build clean, reliable, and accessible public transport systems at the scale that climate and communities require.
Doubling public transport journeys by 2030
Mayors, transport workers, union leaders, community groups, and residents are united behind a central goal: doubling public transport use this decade. This is essential to:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions at scale
- support a just transition away from polluting vehicles
- build healthier, cleaner, and more connected cities
Without this shift, countries cannot deliver on the urgent goal to halve emissions this decade.
Make public transport a political and financial priority
World leaders must provide long-term, stable investment to:
- improve the quality and reliability of services
- expand networks to serve more people
- keep systems affordable and accessible
- support public transport through a green and just economic recovery
This includes accelerating the shift to zero-emission buses, which is critical for reducing pollution and reaching climate targets.
Expand and electrify public transport systems
The campaign urges governments to support the improvement, expansion, and electrification of public transport. This includes accelerating the shift to zero-emission buses, which is critical for reducing pollution and reaching climate targets. At the same time, this transition must be fair for workers in the sector, providing them with training, job security, and fair working conditions.
Ensure everyone can reach public transport within a 10-minute walk
Every person living in an urban area should have safe, affordable, and frequent public transport within a 10-minute walk of their home.
This principle guides cities toward more inclusive, equitable mobility systems.
Advance a just transition for transport workers
Public transport workers play a central role in the shift to zero-emission mobility. The campaign calls for:
- investment that creates millions of good, green jobs
- protections for workers as cities move to new technologies
- fair and inclusive processes that involve workers and unions to strengthen livelihoods
What the campaign has achieved so far
The campaign has helped put public transport firmly on the global climate agenda uniting mayors, transport workers, unions, and climate advocates behind a shared call for investment. It has driven recognition of public transport as essential to climate, economic, and social progress,
A coalition that keeps growing
More organisations are joining the movement for better public transportThe campaign has expanded from its founding partners to a coalition of 20 organisations representing city networks, transport operators, trade unions, climate groups, and citizen-led movements.