At the meeting of the European Union Committee of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the Committee has welcomed the project of the EU Parliament to launch its own-initiative report on the “action plan for urban mobility”. This report acknowledges the role of public transport as a vital element to ensure a sustainable urban mobility. This willingness is most welcome in the absence of an action plan from the EU Commission.

In spite of number of declarations in favour of sustainable choices for urban mobility, the EU Commission does not show a clear engagement in favour of the sector illustrating a lack of consistency in its policy orientations.

The latest example is the recovery plan which does not include any specific measure in favour of public transport in spite the major role the sector plays in reducing congestion, accidents, climate change and local pollution. Public transport contributes to the economic vitality of urban centres where the majority of EU wealth is generated. The 20% reduction in green house gas emissions by 2020 requests a shift in our mobility patterns supported by a forceful policy.

The UITP EU Committee reiterates its call to the European Commission to integrate specifically public transport networks into the EU recovery plan and to fully recognise the sector as THE smarter solution to preserve and enhance the lives of the 70% of Europeans living in urban areas.

Notes for Editors

* UITP is the international network for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry. It is a platform for worldwide co-operation, business development and the sharing of know-how between its 3,100 members from 90 countries. UITP is the global advocate for public transport and sustainable mobility, and the promoter of innovations in the sector.

* The UITP EU Committee was established in 1965. The objective of the EU Committee and its secretariat, EuroTeam, is to represent the common interests of public transport undertakings to the EU institutions. It monitors legislation and provides members with information regarding EU policy developments, prepares EU Committee positions papers, and assists and advises members concerning all aspects of European policies related to the public transport sector.

UITP’s World Congress and Exhibition will be held in Vienna, Austria, 7-11 June 2009. The theme of the event is ‘Public transport: Making the right mobility choices’.

For more information, visit www.uitp.org/vienna2009/.
See the congress programme
See the Expo Forums programme
Get a preview of the exhibition
Visit the Vienna Congress and Exhibition Media Room

Press Contacts:
Aline Talabard| UITP Communications Manager
Direct phone: +32 (0)2 6636672 | Fax: +32 (0)2 6601072 | aline.talabard@uitp.org

Brigitte Ollier | Director of EuroTeam
Direct phone: 32 2 6636626 | Fax: 32 2 6636623 | brigitte.ollier@uitp.org