European Transport Conference 2020-2021

Online for the second year

ETC 2020 and 2021 were held online due to the Covid pandemic. In spite of the challenges AET was proud and happy that two successful three day multi-stream conferences were organised. We kept the spirit of ETC alive, and attendance to the online conferences was good and the post conference survey showed good satisfaction scores from the attendees.

The online version of ETC 2020 was received well and the Association managed to offer a full programme of content, with some 280 presentations over three days. The technical aspects worked well but we did, of course, miss the social interaction with hosts, exhibitors and delegates.

Although life is beginning to return to normal in many countries, it is clear that it will be some time before full confidence in international travel and large gatherings is established.

The three main themes selected for the conference in 2021 were:

• The Climate Emergency
• Inclusion and Diversity in Transport
• Covid-19 and its Consequences

All three were featured during the conference and examined from different perspectives. 

Covid-19 and its Consequences

The “Covid-19 and its Consequences” theme proved very popular with potential authors and the programme will highlight policy and practice to understand what will be needed when workplaces and venues reopen. 

There has been great change in mobility habits in the past year but will these be permanent and what are the implications?

The Association was delighted to be able to welcome to ETC Matthew Baldwin – Deputy General Director of DG MOVE who spoke about the EU’s infrastructure funding plans for the recovery after Covid-19.

Keynotes and Plenaries

In addition, there was an evening plenary session on the responses of various bodies to the Covid-19 pandemic which will include a presentation from Professor Tae Oum, President of the World Conference for Transport Research Society (WCTRS) and contributions from Milan and London on the public sector/local transport operator perspective.

The Planning for Sustainable Land Use and Transport Programme Committee organised a keynote session on Cycling from Lot van Hooijdonk, Utrecht Alderman for mobility, energy and green.

As usual, the programme offered plenty to interest policy makers, researchers and practitioners. 

The online format opened up a great opportunity to show off ETC to an audience who have so far been unable to attend the conference whether for financial or logistical reasons.

Younger members of the profession, in particular, were able to benefit from the accessibility offered by this online presence.