International taxi and transport event postponed due to outbreak of Coronavirus

With safety citied as the number one priority, UITP (the International Association of Public Transport) and Messe Karlsruhe have made the decision to postpone this year's IT-TRANS.

The IT-TRANS event, the largest of its kind dedicated to digitalisation in public transport, plus the Taxi and Ride-hailing Conference, was due to be held in Karlsruhe, Germany between 3-5 March.

However, due to growing queries and health concerns of IT-TRANS participants over the last week, the organisers have taken the bold step to postpone the event as media reports grow more alarming.

Worldwide, an increasing number of countries or local authorities are considering imposing or tightening restrictions on international travel, or on the organisation of large events.

In addition, a growing number of important EU based companies have imposed business travel restrictions or even bans on their employees.

It was also confirmed that well-known exhibitors, important speakers, some conference topics and also some of the supporting associations withdrew from their participation in the event.

Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP and Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe, said in a joint statement: “We have followed the situation throughout each day and have listened closely to the information and advice coming from the local authorities.

“The safety and wellbeing of all our exhibitors, delegates and visitors is always our top priority, therefore we believe this is the correct decision for all involved and we appreciate your understanding and support.”

A new date for the international event will be confirmed in due course.

Image credit: KMK/Behrendt & Rausch