EESC: inter-city public transport needs to be promoted 21-03-2007 In a recently adopted opinion on the mid-term review of the White Paper on
transport, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urges the European
Commission to take account of inter-city public transport by road and rail. The
revised White Paper does not address collective inter-urban road transport. The
EESC believes that concerted action at EU-level is necessary to stimulate
citizen’s use of public transport, thereby reducing their reliance on
privately-owned vehicles.
During the discussion of the opinion, the EESC members emphasised the crucial
role of public transport in reducing congestion, pollution and fuel consumption.
Mr Edgardo Iozia comments that “there is a need for urgent action” if the EU
wants to meet its ambitious energy and CO2 targets. The EESC recommends a tax
policy that creates incentives to implement new environmentally friendly
technologies in both public and private modes of transport.
The EESC welcomes the attention given to passengers’ rights in the White
Paper. Mr Rafael Barbadillo-Lopez, draftsman of the EESC opinion, stresses that
strengthened passengers’ rights are essential to make public transport more
attractive. Nevertheless, the Commission should also take action to make public
transport better accessible, as well as to improve security and safety.
Source: European Economic and Social Committee back |
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