EESC and ”Offering accessible public transport service” METPEX conference Brussels 10 September 2015 We represent European civil society in EU institutions We give consolidated opinions on proposals and follow and comment policy development EU Transport policy (WP 2011 et al) shows link between public transport and important policy objectives as CO2 emissions and mobility. Public Transport is an important part of the solution for sustainable urban transport EU has a rôle to play in urban transport – but has limited legislative power EESC formed Permanent Study Group on Transport Policy implementation 2012 Special focus on dialogue between EU institutions, national authorities and civil society (EU-wide, national and local)

EESC comments on White Paper (opinion May 2015) Generally supports White Paper – transport is necessary tool for growth and prosperity, ”curbing mobility is not an option” (but curbing ineffiency and emissions!) Sustainable transport is an important goal, climate impact objective 2050 must be overarching policy also in transport sector. Supports more promotion of public transport as policy tool – technology (new fuels, electric power and ITS etc) is not enough for reaching EU sustainability goals. EU transport policy should include a goal to double public transport use in urban areas.

Measurement of passengers quality perception of todays transport is necessary, but is it enough? How to measure future transport/mobility quality? Technology is fast-moving, innovations as IT systems can (help) change mobility Customer demand for accessibility, comfort, reliability and personalized services at reasonable cost Societies demand for cost efficiency, sustainability, new business models/collaboration models, integrated mobility services, better city planning Neccessary production adjustments for demography (ageing population, segregation/economics), climate change, e-commerce (urban freight) = Continous dialogue with users and citizens is cruxial!

Some results from EESC/DG MOVE conference on TEN-T civil society dialogue (May 2015) * Well-managed and credible dialogue creates clear added value for a project through gain of support, time and problem resolution. * Important to define the relevant constituency and the scope of the dialogue to get a good dialogue and promote understanding of a project. * The dialogue must be concrete and the result of interventions must be accounted for. * Guidelines for the dialogue are important to create confidence and ensure the quality of the dialogue. EESC can form a bridge between EU-level and local civil society in such a dialogue!

This is the challenge…. Thanks for listening. Stefan Back. stefan This is the challenge… Thanks for listening! Stefan Back stefan.back@transportforetagen.se Member of European Economic & Social Committee