The role of public transport in the Commission’s strategy on sustainable and smart mobility

Question for written answer  E-000490/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew)

The modal shift towards public transport solutions is a key element of any efficient sustainable transport policy.

This shift brings considerable environmental benefits (reduction in CO₂ emissions and congestion). Most of the emissions in the transport sector come from local, urban daily mobility. In 2016, passenger cars accounted for 71 % of passenger transport, representing only a very slight decrease compared to their modal share in 1996 (73.2 %)[1]. Yet the role and place of modal shift and public transport within the strategy seems insufficient. Our ambitious climate objectives will never be achieved without a proper role being accorded to modal shift and massive action and support for the development of mass transit solutions.

• 1.What role does the Commission intend to give to public transport in future legislation on sustainable mobility?
• 2.Is the Commission planning to increase investments in public transport and daily mobility?
• 3.What instruments does the Commission intend to concretely use in order to induce a modal shift towards public transport?

• [1] Pastori, E., Brambilla, M., Maffii, S., Vergnani, R., Gualandi, E., Skinner, I., Study – ‘Modal shift in European transport: a way forward’, European Parliament, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Policy Department B – Structural and Cohesion Policies, 29 November 2018.