Joint Letter: Make Local and Regional Public Transport a European Priority

As the EU enters its 2024-2029 legislative term and prepares for the upcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework, UITP – in collaboration with EMTA, EPTO, IRU, POLIS, EUROCITIES, and CER – has co-initiated and signed a Joint Letter for Members of the European Parliament.

Together, we point out the importance of recognising and prioritising the essential role of local public transport – not only for citizens’ daily mobility but also for advancing Europe’s economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Our Joint Letter calls on the European Parliament to champion these priorities:

1. Local and regional Public Transport is essential for the success of several urban goals and initiatives of the EU, starting with the Just Transition.
2. The EU institutions should adopt a European Declaration on Local and Regional Public Transport, highlighting the multiple positive externalities of urban, suburban, rural, and regional Public Transport services.
3. Foster strong, structured coordination among EU institutions, cities, regions, organising authorities, and public transport stakeholders.
4. Ensure adequate funding from the EU and Member States to support local public transport.
5. Acknowledge public transport’s critical role in reducing Transport Poverty.

With the above measures, local and regional Public Transport can deliver a sustainable and attractive offering, providing mobility to all citizens, supporting cities and regions in achieving their modal shift targets, and reducing Europe’s overall CO2 emissions from the transport sector (mostly caused by car usage).