Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) is moving from research and isolated pilots towards wider deployment across Europe. As this transition accelerates, EPF has published its position on automated mobility, calling for the focus to shift from what the technology can do to what it delivers for passengers and society.
At the centre of EPF’s position is a simple principle: automation is a means, not an end. Automated mobility should only be deployed where it delivers clear and demonstrable added value for citizens and society, responds to identified mobility needs and contributes to wider policy objectives. This includes addressing transport poverty, supporting sustainable mobility and reducing car dependency.
EPF also stresses that CCAM should strengthen and complement public transport rather than replace or compete with it. Priority should be given to applications that fill genuine gaps in the mobility system, such as first and last mile connections, feeder services, demand-responsive transport and services in rural and peripheral areas or for people facing mobility barriers. Shared and collective use should be prioritised over private, single-occupancy use, while automated services should be fully integrated into public transport and multimodal networks.
Above all, passenger needs must come first. Safety, security and accountability should be built into automated mobility from the outset, alongside accessibility and inclusion, affordability, reliability and a good user experience. Productivity gains from automation should translate into better and more affordable services, including improved frequency, coverage, operating hours and capacity.
Automation should also not be seen simply as a way of eliminating staff. While it can help address driver shortages, EPF believes it should enable the strategic reallocation of human resources. Human assistance should remain available for passengers who need it and for unexpected situations, disruptions and emergencies. Where appropriate, this assistance can be provided remotely, as long as it remains easily accessible and responsive.
Finally, passengers should be involved from design through to deployment. Passenger groups and representative organisations should have a role in identifying needs and in designing, testing and evaluating automated mobility services, particularly to ensure that the needs of people who may otherwise be overlooked are taken into account.
EPF’s message is clear, large-scale deployment of automated mobility should be driven by measurable passenger and societal benefits, not technological innovation alone. CCAM should help deliver more inclusive, sustainable, affordable, reliable and accessible mobility while strengthening public transport and enabling seamless journeys.
You can read EPF’s full position paper on Automated Mobility here.
