Nine major European cities, along with several public transport organizations, have signed a new European Declaration aimed at promoting sustainable and efficient public transport. The declaration, which was signed in Barcelona, underscores the sector’s critical role in tackling social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Key signatories include Laia Bonet, First Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services, and Housing of Barcelona; Arianna Censi, Deputy Mayor for Mobility of Milan; and Kristjan Järvan, Deputy Mayor for Transport of Tallinn. The cities are committed to strengthening collaboration in the transport sector, enhancing the integration of different transport modes, ensuring affordability, and improving resilience to climate change impacts.
The signatories aim to improve the integration of public transport with cycling, walking, and shared mobility options. They also emphasize making transportation more affordable and accessible, particularly for vulnerable communities. In addition, the cities are focused on enhancing the sector’s attractiveness to address staffing shortages and investing in skills development with a focus on achieving gender balance in the workforce.
The Declaration outlines several key actions, including advocating for new funding mechanisms based on beneficiary-payer and polluter-payer models. It also calls for social climate plans that improve accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Thomas Lymes, Head of Advocacy at Eurocities, emphasized the importance of the timing of the declaration, particularly as the new EU policy cycle begins. He noted that the public transport sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a decline in ridership due to COVID-19 and rising operational costs related to the energy crisis. Lymes expressed hope that the declaration would inspire EU and national policymakers to continue supporting sustainable and attractive urban transport options.
The Declaration highlights the need for ongoing political support to strengthen the backbone of urban mobility in European cities, with the aim of making public transport a competitive and desirable option for citizens.
Get comprehensive supply chain report news updates at The Supply Chain Report. For international trade tools, see ADAMftd.com.
#SustainableTransport#GreenMobility#PublicTransitReform#UrbanSustainability#CleanEnergyTransit#EcoFriendlyCities#FutureOfTransport
