Expert Group on Urban Mobility adopts new recommendations for shared mobility and public transport

The Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM), launched by the European Commission, has announced two new sets of recommendations: one is aimed at facilitating the use of public transport and shared mobility, and another is on the use of the Social Climate Fund. The recommendations address policy, infrastructure, funding, and integration of transport data, with the aim of supporting the overall goal to decarbonise and democratise mobility for all. 

In the first set of recommendations, the EGUM outlines that car dependence, originating from urban sprawl, is maintained today by a lack of affordable and/or convenient alternatives. To tackle this problem, they recommend a strategy which increases shared mobility services available. Their insights point to the great potential of shared mobility in everyday journeys across urban, suburban and rural areas. However, they specifically recommend that it is complemented with public transport in order to provide a viable and effective alternative to the private car. 

The EGUM highlights that implementing such recommendations will bring about certain challenges. It’s advised that the challenges and the associated opportunities are understood and addressed by EU policy, regulation, research and funding. They state that stakeholder coordination among these groups will be key in implementing the recommendations, reducing car dependence, decarbonising transport, and ultimately, reallocating urban space.  

The second set of recommendations focuses on using the Social Climate Fund to support the expansion of public transport services. This fund was established to provide Member States with dedicated funding so that vulnerable groups, such as those experiencing transport poverty, are not left behind during the green transition. The EGUM recommends using the fund to ensure that public transport, mobility on demand, shared mobility services, and active transport modes are accessible to everyone, particularly vulnerable citizens. 

The reformed EGUM is a platform for dialogue and the co-creation of actions to implement the new EU urban mobility framework. The next recommendations, available in the coming months, will cover funding and financing, and long-term sustainability. Others will follow on topics such as: urban vehicle access regulations; sustainable urban mobility planning, monitoring and implementation; urban logistics; active mobility and safety for vulnerable road users; and the future of urban mobility and inclusive and sustainable urban space.

Follow this link to review the EGUM recommendations on complementing public transport with shared mobility solutions. 

Follow this link to review the EGUM recommendations on the Social Climate Fund.