Beyond roads: IRU on universally accessible transport at global China forum

Speaking at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum 2026 in Beijing, IRU outlined how buses and trucks, trade facilitation measures, and technology-neutral decarbonisation help make transport universally accessible.

Delivering a keynote address to ministers and transport leaders at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum 2026, IRU Secretary General Habib Turki stressed that "access is the true measure of a transport system's worth".

"Transport is not measured only by how fast goods and passengers move," said Habib Turki. "Its true measure is whether people and businesses, wherever they are located, can access transport services that are safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable."

The ability of buses, coaches, taxis, vans and trucks to connect people, communities, businesses and markets makes road transport central to universal access.

Road transport provides first- and last-mile connectivity and knits other modes of transport into seamless intermodal mobility networks and supply chains.

"The question is not whether road transport can deliver access; it is how we turn the connectivity that it provides into access that is shared by all," said Habib Turki. "The answer begins with two forms of connectivity: hard and soft."

Hard and soft connectivity

Physical infrastructure - roads, logistics centres, passenger terminals and border facilities - is essential. But infrastructure alone is not enough to guarantee accessible transport. Complex and inconsistent procedures, especially across borders, are major barriers.

The TIR system is a good example of how harmonisation in "soft connectivity" can help overcome such barriers in freight transport.

China's experience demonstrates clearly how infrastructure and soft connectivity, together, can expand transport access.

China expands access

This year marks the tenth anniversary of China's accession to the TIR Convention. TIR now connects more than 60 Chinese ports and inland cities through over 120 international routes, including intermodal rail connections, linking China with more than 30 Belt and Road countries.

The system has also expanded beyond traditional road freight. In January this year, China extended TIR to bonded cargo and the full range of cross-border e-commerce, supported by 125 additional customs offices.

Alongside making transport more efficient, timely, secure and cost effective, TIR gives even the smallest and most geographically isolated exporters access into a global trading network.

"These examples must not simply be judged by their immediate impact on transport," said Habib Turki. "Their real significance is boosting access, connecting new markets and creating new opportunities for businesses, across China and the globe."

A green transition for all

Making transport accessible also means ensuring that the green transition is affordable and achievable for operators of all sizes across the globe.

The global IRU Green Compact provides a roadmap towards carbon-neutral commercial road transport by 2050, while recognising that different countries and operators face varying economic, infrastructure and energy realities.

The right solution depends on a vehicle's operational mission, the energy available to it, the readiness of local infrastructure, and the total cost of ownership for the operator.

"IRU stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that sustainable transport services are universally accessible, empowering people, enabling trade, and building more inclusive and sustainable transport," concluded Habib Turki.