Passenger activity represents an increasing business for UIC at global level. Whether on short or long distance, regional, mass transit or high speed, the transport of passengers by rail is an activity with positive expectations for the future. The group is chaired by Mr Carlos Ventura, Director of Passenger Stations at ADIF (Spanish Infrastructure Manager).

Among all the necessary aspects need to develop passenger transport (technology, marketing, ticketing, financing, etc...), the most important common point for rail companies, customers and society are railway stations.

Stations represent a key element in all passenger transport: for different kind of customers (travellers, commuters, passers-by), the station is the only gateway to railway system; for railways, they are sometimes the key to acquiring (or not acquiring) customers. But other than their strategic value for railway systems and for customers, stations represent an important business element and are essential element in city development, especially in the context of the new urban transformations (metropolisation and transit oriented development).

Improving and diversifying the functionality of stations (as a strategic element of railway passenger transport), improving the business concept and opportunities for centres which attract on a daily basis a large volume of potential customers (other than travel purposes) and strengthening the relationship between railway systems and society (increasingly complex) are the main objectives of the UIC Station Managers Global Group.

The benefits of this cooperation for members and for the railway system at global level are a good example of UIC’s philosophy and activities. Over the next four years, SMGG will work on various projects: improved accessibility of information, sustainable railway station programs, security in station and the long-term development of stations aimed at promoting stations in the new urban models of tomorrow.