Recommendations to Member States to combat transport poverty and promote fair, sustainable mobility
Transport poverty is a problem facing many European countries. It means that different social groups do not have sufficient access to quality transport services, which limits their ability to work, study or participate in public life. As transport is one of the key enablers of social cohesion, the European Commission has made recommendations to Member States to help tackle this problem and promote fair and sustainable mobility by 2025.
What is transport poverty?
Transport poverty refers to situations where people do not have access to transport services because of financial, geographical or other limiting factors. This can include:
- Inadequate public transport infrastructure.
- High transport prices that are too high for low-income groups.
- Inaccessibility in regions with weak or non-existent transport networks.
Such situations represent a major obstacle to people’s quality of life, especially for those living in remote areas or belonging to vulnerable groups.
Key recommendations from the European Commission
The European Commission stresses that Member States should take concrete action to reduce transport poverty and promote fair and sustainable mobility. Here are the main recommendations:
- Increase the use of public transport: investment in public transport infrastructure is needed, especially in regions where it is inadequate. Concessions should also be provided for low-income groups.
- Focus on regions: countries should ensure that transport services are not only available in cities, but also in the most remote areas.
- Allocate funding: sufficient financial resources must be allocated to transport projects that promote sustainability and accessibility.
- Involve the public: it is important to involve local communities and vulnerable groups in the decision-making process so that their needs are heard.
- Focus on the environment: the transport system needs to be not only affordable, but also sustainable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How will these recommendations help?
The following results can be expected from the implementation of these recommendations:
- Accessibility for all: Transport services will become more accessible to all social groups, regardless of their income or place of residence.
- Social cohesion: social exclusion will be reduced and people will be able to participate more effectively in economic and social life.
- Sustainability: investing in green transport systems will reduce negative environmental impacts.
What next?
The European Commission urges Member States to act swiftly to implement these recommendations. This will require not only financial investment, but also political commitment and cooperation between government, the private sector and society. Only by acting together can we achieve a fair and sustainable transport system that is accessible to all.
To find out more about these recommendations, visit the European Commission website.
