UIC is continuing to support the development of passenger rail worldwide through initiatives dedicated to Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS), which are key for improving sustainable mobility and accessibility in urban and regional areas.
Following the success of the previous eight editions, the CRTS programme is expanding its activities in Africa, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and promote knowledge sharing among railway stakeholders across the continent. The upcoming CRTS Africa event will be organised by UIC in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 to 28 May 2026.
A strategic programme for regional mobility
Commuter and regional train services play a crucial role in public transport systems, connecting urban, suburban and regional areas efficiently. These services provide a sustainable alternative to road transport while helping to reduce congestion and emissions.
The CRTS programme aims to:
- Facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices among railway operators
- Address challenges in the planning and operation of regional and commuter services
- Promote innovative solutions to improve the passenger experience and multimodal integration
- Support the development of sustainable and resilient rail systems
CRTS Africa 2026 in Johannesburg
The event will bring together railway operators, transport authorities, mobility planners, universities and international experts to discuss the key challenges and opportunities for the development of commuter and regional rail services in Africa.
The first two days will feature technical sessions, case studies, and insights into different experiences, while the final day will include a technical visit, offering participants the opportunity to discover local railway initiatives and discuss practical solutions relevant to the African context.
Sharing knowledge to support rail development in Africa
UIC’s training and cooperation initiatives are increasingly engaging African railway stakeholders and contribute to strengthening expertise across the continent. Through events such as CRTS Africa, UIC aims to promote international collaboration and the development of efficient, passenger-focused regional rail services.
More information
For further details and to register, please visit: https://uic.org/events/crts-africa-web.
