Source: European Parliament
The Commission attaches great importance to public transport as it is key to achieving more sustainable mobility and reduce congestion in urban areas.
It seeks to promote urban transport, which is efficient, safe, sustainable and inclusive, regardless of whether it is provided by public or private operators.
The procurement of clean road transport vehicles under Directive 2009/33/EC[1] is part of the Commission’s goal to promote sustainable transport solutions and stimulate the market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles, including zero-emission buses.
European funds support greener public urban transport in Attica and are made available, inter alia, for the purchase of clean public transport buses in Athens, the renew of rail rolling stock on Metro Line 1, construction of new Metro Line 4, and development of the suburban rail, under the Cohesion Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
National authorities should accelerate the pace of implementation of these projects to ensure the greening of transport, sustainable and improved level of public service for all citizens.
It is for national authorities to monitor transport operations safety and ensure that operators implement periodic maintenance and also comply with applicable labour law provisions as well as relevant technical/safety requirements including the training of staff.
The Commission would also note that public authorities may financially support public passenger transport services, in accordance with the conditions set out in Regulation (EC) 1370/2007[2].
The Commission would like to point out that EU law does not prescribe privatisation in the field of public transport.
- [1] Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles OJ L 120, 15.5.2009, p. 5-12.
- [2] Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70, OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 1-13.