MobiliTalks: questions to Charles-Éric Lemaignen, Chairman of GIE Objectif transport public

There are a few months to go yet before EuMo Expo 2024 opens its doors. In the meantime, we invite you to discover our new MobiliTalks interview series, in which we meet inspiring, influential people furthering the cause of public transport and sustainable mobility on a daily basis.

Meet our first interviewee...



Charles-Éric Lemaignen
Chairman of GIE Objectif transport public and organiser of European Mobility Expo.

European Mobility Expo is usually held in Paris but for once it’s going to be in Strasbourg this year, from 1 to 3 October 2024. Do you see this as sending a strong European message?

We’re delighted to be stopping over in Strasbourg for this edition of EuMo Expo! The European dimension of our exhibition takes on special relevance at the heart of a European capital on the border with Germany. We’re continuing to promote the event throughout Europe, creating partnerships with GART and UTP’s opposite numbers in the principal European countries, through communications and media initiatives, as well as by inviting delegations to visit the event from the Netherlands and Germany. The trade press from several countries will also be with us at the event.

What’s more, the fact that Strasbourg’s European Parliament is close by will offer an opportunity to create lasting ties with the institution and, we trust, with newly-elected Euro-MPs following the European elections this coming June.

Our programme of talks will also highlight European-wide issues, including comparative analysis and feedback from other European countries besides France

Last but by no means least, EuMo Expo is staging a number of contests open to all European professionals, including the European ‘Talent in Mobility’ awards honouring the women and men that make public transport what it is and the Smart Move Challenge, a way for startups to raise their profile.

After Milan, Vienna will be Guest of Honour at EuMo Expo 2024. What similarities are there between Strasbourg and Vienna when it comes to sustainable mobility?

Quite a few! They are both examples of European cities that have set their sights on the future, committed to transitioning to mobility that’s better for the environment and accessible to all. Like Strasbourg, in recent years Vienna has embarked on a complete overhaul of its urban mobility strategy, placing a greater emphasis on public transport and active travel. Today, people living in Vienna benefit from a multimodal transport offering that includes 28 tram lines, 133 bus routes, 5 metro lines, 1,721km of cycle tracks, and bike and car-sharing schemes providing 3,000 bikes and some one hundred cars. Vienna aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

The City of Vienna will be there at the heart of the Exhibition, giving participants the opportunity to discuss the city’s projects with its representatives and hear about their experiences.

What are participants expecting from EuMo Expo 2024?

They’ll be looking forward to a great event hosting 250 exhibitors from across the entire mobility industry: manufacturers and their vehicles, operators, innovative solutions for e-ticketing, passenger information, safety & security, ITS, maintenance, alternative energy sources and more, as well as a dedicated Startup Space and Active Mobility Space

Together with GART and UTP, we’re currently finalising the programme of talks, open to all and held at the centre of the Exhibition. They’ll cover a wide range of current issues including the priorities for Europe’s new MPs in terms of public transport, European industrial strategy, EU funding, modal transfer, the energy transition, and so on. We’ll be striving to place a special emphasis on sharing knowhow, best practices and feedback with Europe’s elected officials and officers. 

Participants can also look forward to plenty of other highlights: Agora sessions organised by experts and exhibitors, Awards ceremonies for the ‘European Talent in Mobility’, Public Transport Innovation, and Smart Move Challenge contests, official visits, and much more besides.

France’s Grand Est region and Strasbourg’s Eurométropole district are sources of inspiration for many European professionals. They’ll be giving participants a warm welcome and presenting their respective territories, both on their stand and through technical visits. 

Stay tuned to find out more!