Europe’s Network of National ITS Associations (ITS Nationals) has elected Steve Schneider of ITS Mobility in German as its new Chair for the next two years.
He replaces Dónal Hodgins, who has stepped down to concentrate on a new role as part of the leadership of a major project for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in Dublin.
Mr Schneider was elected following a vote by the 30 members of the organisation, which has an objective to ensure that ITS knowledge and information is transmitted to all its members across the region.
Marc Verhage of Connekt/ITS Netherlands has been re-elected to the position of vice-chair of the network. Their new terms begin in July.
Mr Schneider paid tribute to the work done by Mr Hodgins over the last two years:
“Cross-border cooperation provides a solid foundation for the smart and connected mobility of the future. I would like to thank my colleagues from the national ITS associations across Europe for the trust they have placed in me, and I look forward to working within our strong, internationally significant network to promote the wider adoption of intelligent transport systems through close collaboration and joint projects. A big thank you to Donal Hodgins, who has done an outstanding job over the past few years and has developed ITS Nationals into a strong independent network.”
Mr Hodgins added: “I don’t think I can hand over the reins to anyone better than Steve, who has been a very active and supportive member of the Co-ordination Committee. Meanwhile, in Marc, he has an excellent Number Two to offer support and opinions. I know they, and the rest of the Co-ordination Committee will continue to push the organisation forward.
The ITS Nationals network complements the work of ERTICO, which set it up more than 20 years ago, to share best practice among individual nations’ ITS associations, and helps them support their members.
Its remit includes developing and sharing best practice in running ITS National Associations, connecting the fee-paying members of ITS National Associations to each other, the sharing of news and research to better inform members of ITS National Associations, sharing case studies and promotional materials to further the implementation of ITS and supporting members of the ITS National Associations to attend National, European and Global ITS Congresses, and to support ERTICO and other bodies with the delivery of them.
(Picture – ITS Mobility)