IRU and partners have called on Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to revive the EU’s focus on the fundamental role of public transport.

In a letter sent to MEPs yesterday, IRU – together with the European Metropolitan Transport Authorities, the International Association of Public Transport, the European Passenger Transport Operators, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies, the EUROCITIES Network, and the POLIS Network – highlighted the pressing need to renew focus on the critical role of local and regional public transport.

Despite the challenges introduced by the Covid-19 pandemic, the public transport sector remains committed to providing high-quality and safe services, including making strides towards zero-emission mobility and enhancing customer experience. Nevertheless, the public transport sector is grappling with rising operating costs related to new technologies and infrastructure, along with issues stemming from labour shortages.

IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “Public transport is vital for the daily mobility of citizens and achieving the EU’s economic, social and sustainability goals. The EU, but also Member States, must renew their commitment to having a healthy public transport system.”

“EU funding must also be made available for zero-emission vehicles and the required infrastructure. Public transport is key to shifting people from private to collective mobility; in other words, advancing the EU’s decarbonisation goals,” she added.

The letter advances five key points:

• Public transport is key for the success of several EU urban goals and initiatives.
• The EU should adopt a European declaration on local and regional public transport.
• EU institutions and cities, regions, organising authorities and public transport stakeholders must coordinate their efforts.
• The EU and Member States should provide sufficient funding for public transport, including zero-emission vehicles, related infrastructure, digitalisation, multimodality, new technologies, and large network projects.
• Public transport is pivotal for overcoming transport poverty.

Moving over 50 billion passengers annually, public transport stands as the most sustainable, efficient and inclusive mass-transit option, providing citizens access to vital services such as jobs, education, care and culture.

IRU’s member network operates urban and regional bus services in many cities and countries across the EU and beyond.

Source, IRU