EPF has responded to the European Commission’s consultation on urban mobility.

In EPF’s view, it is very important to have an urban mobility policy at EU level. Whereas the local level has the best local knowledge, their financial situation is often not that solid and infrastructure investments  have to compete with other social expenses. Permanent EU funding for local investigations and investments in planning for sustainable transport are crucial to empower a modal shift. In addition, a central register, tentatively managed by an EU institution, could collect and spread knowledge about best practice within existing transport systems for urban infrastructure investments, city conversions, service improvements within public transport to make them more efficient.

The main challenge, according to EPF, is not primarily the conversion of the car fleet to become autonomous and electrified in the long term, but especially the achievement of a modal shift to a greater share of transport modes that are more energy and space efficient than cars, even if they are 100% electric and self-driving. Public transport, cycling and walking are still a far better option in dense urban areas in comparison to cars, in order to create livable cities that are sustainable in an economic, social and environmental way.

EPF’s answers to the Urban mobility questionnaire can be downloaded here.