Unveiling of the “Sooo British” Strasbourg tram in the framework of the UK Chairmanship of the Council of Europe

23.01.2012 – Strasbourg, France

Speech by Keith Whitmore, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

Je suis particulièrement heureux de pouvoir participer ensemble avec Mme la Maire adjointe, Mme Rafik-Elmrini, à l’inauguration du tram décoré aux couleurs britanniques. 

I am pleased to witness, as a local politician, that public transport is enabling the citizens of Strasbourg and its European guests to access the beauty of a truly European-minded city.    Public transport is dear to my heart; not only does it makes cities accessible to citizens, but it is also a lasting and sustainable investment into infrastructures which bring people back into city centres.

The « Sooo British programme » is a cultural initiative offered by the city of Strasbourg to celebrate better understanding between cultures, cities and peoples, on the occasion of the British Presidency of the Committee of  Ministers of the Council of Europe, the oldest and largest European institution based and well-integrated in the city of Strasbourg, and the region of Alsace.

Trams are the arteries leading to the beating heart of the city!