Urban mobility should embrace green and digital solutions, say MEPs

• New urban mobility solutions complement traditional transport

• Zero and low emission mobility brings more options for commuters

• Need basic requirements on urban road safety

European Parliament advocates for a modal shift to sustainable transport in cities, such as, car-sharing, public transport, private mobility or cycling.

The resolution on the new EU urban mobility framework, adopted by 485 votes to 31, and 113 abstentions on Tuesday, stresses that urban mobility is crucial to people’s quality of life and the functioning of economy.

MEPs add that all modes of transport and their users are important, including those groups with special needs, transport poor or commuters. They need smart, accessible, affordable and seamless transport, the resolution says. It also urges EU governments and cities to address transport poverty by offering sustainable mobility vouchers or reduced price mobility schemes.

Green transport

MEPs note that supporting the use of zero and low emission urban mobility solutions, such as, public transport, car-sharing, e-bikes or scooters will bring various flexible options to the market and boost competition in providing better, healthier, more valuable, inclusive, efficient and affordable solutions for citizens.

They also want more awareness raising efforts on sustainable transport options and call on the Commission to establish “EU car-free day”. New mobility solutions complement traditional transport and contribute to the improvement of air and noise quality, congestion and connectivity.

However, micro-mobility (bikes, e-bikes or scooters) still lacks a proper regulation on safe usage, MEPs say, calling on the Commission to propose recommendations in this field.

More digital solutions

MEPs highlight that an artificial intelligence and digitalisation can significantly improve the efficiency of transport, safety, shorten travel times and cost and relieve traffic congestion and reduce emissions. They urge the Commission and the EU countries to invest more in smart mobility that could unlock single-ticketing of different transport modes.

MEPs also acknowledge that in coming years the autonomous vehicles will be available for commuters and have the significant potential to contribute to reduction of accidents and deaths. However, it has to be met with appropriate safety and liability safeguards, they add.

“Different transport modes have their role to play and we, as politicians, should provide the right and healthy environment for their proper coexistence. I do not support restrictions or bans on certain transport modes, but rather different measures to ensure their efficiency, such as AI and digital solutions, recommendations on urban road safety, harmonised technical standards for micro-mobility and educational campaigns.”

EP rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, BG)

Improving road safety

The resolutions notes that every year around 22 600 people still lose their lives on EU roads and 39 % of these fatalities occur in urban areas of which 2/3 are pedestrians, cyclists of motorcycle users. Concerned by these figures MEPs call on the EU countries and the Commission to strengthen road safety by drawing-up basic recommendations on urban road safety, launching educational campaigns, acknowledging the potential of speed limits, such as 30 km/h in residential areas, training future drivers on how to safely interact with vulnerable road users and improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

“People have different needs and they deserve to have access to a variety of affordable, competitive, smart and sustainable transport solutions. No one shall be left behind, we shall aim to improve the connectivity between rural and urban areas, as well as the accessibility and efficiency of the system for people with special needs.”

EP rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, BG)

In adopting this resolution, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations to support public transport, set urban development programs for “greener” cities and improve infrastructure for cycling as expressed in Proposals 4(1 to 7) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai