Financing the future of public transport and shared mobility in Europe – EGUM report

As European cities face increasing challenges in urban mobility, the need for sustainable and innovative solutions has never been more critical. A recent report by the Expert Group for Urban Mobility (EGUM) highlights key strategies for financing public transport and shared mobility in European cities, regions, and Member States. The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the European transport sector and mobility systems while meeting environmental objectives set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, including reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable urban development.

The report explores funding needs alongside existing funding programmes for urban public transport. High-quality public transport requires committed long-term funding to enable revenue and capital expenditure that maintain or expand the quality and coverage of public transport in urban areas and their hinterlands. The authors of the report emphasise that integrating traditional public transport with new, shared mobility services is essential to creating a resilient urban mobility ecosystem. To achieve this, strategic policies and financial support across all levels of governance are required.

The report lays out a dozen key recommendations, primarily based on the experiences of twelve best-practice case studies. The authors call for prioritising public transport investments across all EU funding programmes and simplifying access to these funds. By ensuring a steady flow of financial resources, the report suggests that cities can more effectively green their local public transport fleets and infrastructure. This approach can be supported by establishing dedicated public transport funds, long-term government grants, and public-private partnerships, providing the financial stability needed to encourage innovation and development in the sector.

Moreover, the report stresses the importance of coordination and synergy among various funding mechanisms to maximise their effectiveness. It highlights the need for local and regional authorities to be actively involved in decision-making processes related to EU-funded investments. Their involvement would enhance the efficiency and impact of urban transport projects, ensuring that funding is used strategically to meet both local and European goals.

In conclusion, the report underlines that a well-funded, strategically planned public transport system is vital for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban mobility in Europe. By focusing on long-term investments and innovative financing solutions, Europe can pave the way for a future where public transport and shared mobility are at the heart of urban life.

Author: Janneke Janson-Goossens

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.