This paper is the first policy document that the European Commission has issued on public passenger transport. It suggests ways of making public passenger transport more attractive and usable. The Commission aims to: (1) reduce car-dependence by achieving that objective; (2) extend the transport choices of people without access to cars; and (3) ensure that public transport systems and vehicles are designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. To establish a genuine Citizen's Network for transport, the needs of passengers must be put at the centre of decision making at local, national, and European level. Public transport networks should be well co-ordinated, with adequate interchanges between different transport modes and proper connections between local and long-distance networks. Ideally, public transport should provide accessibility of all citizens to vehicles and infrastructure, affordable fares, and good coverage by services. The Commission intends to: (1) provide information about the best public transport practice; (2) use European Union policies in research and development, Trans-European networks, and regional development to promote passenger transport; and (3) stimulate public discussion and encourage comments.
Samenvatting