Mobility-as-a-Service, smart ticketing, AI & Co.: IT-TRANS 2026 trade fair is in the starting blocks

The accompanying congress offers an impressive and varied programme. Over 60 speakers from all over the world will be present and will hold a total of 33 sessions. The topics range from autonomous driving, ticketing and passenger information to smart cities, energy and other current developments in the mobility sector. On Tuesday morning, 3 March 2026, keynote speaker Anna-Theresa Korbutt, Managing Director of the Hamburg Transport Association, will kick off the event and provide insights into current developments in public transport.

The trade fair itself also offers numerous opportunities for learning and networking. In the Market-Update-Forums, exhibitors will give short presentations providing insights into their products, solutions and practical experiences. On the second day of the trade fair, there will also be a high-calibre panel discussion. The participants will be Elke Zimmer, State Secretary at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport, Dr Frank Mentrup, Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe, Dr Alexander Pischon, Managing Director of Karlsruher Verkehrsbetriebe (KVV), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Kagerbauer from the Institute of Transport at KIT, and Natalie Rodriguez, Head of Innovation at Hamburger Hochbahn. Together, they will discuss how to master the path from political strategy to practical implementation, with a particular focus on scaling, user centricity and the future infrastructure of digital transformation.

IT-TRANS 2026 focuses on the 175 exhibitors and their innovations. In addition to the modernisation of infrastructure, the digitalisation and use of AI are becoming increasingly important in the mobility transition. This rapid change poses major challenges for transport companies. With innovative technologies, such as those from ATRON electronic GmbH, these challenges can be turned into opportunities. At IT-TRANS 2026 in Karlsruhe, ATRON will be presenting pioneering software solutions for public transport at stand V5 in hall 2. These include a new on-board computer with an updated driver terminal and other future-oriented system solutions.

As one of the main sponsors, INIT will be represented with a clear thematic focus. The increasing shortage of skilled workers poses major challenges for many transport companies. Suitable IT solutions from INIT can help close this gap. At the exhibition stand in hall 1, stand F5, visitors can find out how this can be achieved with the help of assistance systems, voice support and automation.

Trapeze will also be presenting itself in Karlsruhe as a main sponsor with a broad portfolio of solutions at stand H5 in hall 1. The focus will be on the continuously developed Trapeze operations management system and a cloud version that enables maximum flexibility and scalability. Trapeze will also be presenting the next generation of its mobility assistance system, which takes accessibility to a new level.

IVU Traffic Technologies AG will be presenting two key topics at stand J10 in hall 1. IVU.plan [essentials] is a compact, web-based planning tool based on the proven IVU.plan system and aimed particularly at small and medium-sized transport companies. IVU will also be showcasing IVU Account Based Ticketing, a smart ticketing solution for flexible and easy access to public transport.

As the local host of IT-TRANS 2026, Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK) will welcome trade visitors to stand X5 in hall 2. The VBK stand will focus on the regiomove service. The aim is to provide mobility for everyone at all times. The KVV.regiomove app serves as the KVV's central information and ticketing platform. The service is complemented by the regiomove ports, which act as mobility hubs, bundling various transport services in the region.

Visitors can expect numerous exciting live demonstrations at the stands of many other exhibitors, where they can experience the latest solutions and products first-hand. IT-TRANS 2026 is already showing today how the digital future of public transport can be shaped.