Ambition 8: Supporting an effective, efficient, and fair public transport in Europe
The European Union has long prioritised transport and mobility to support both its economy and a unified European identity. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in decarbonisation, creating trans-European transport networks, and fostering an integrated transport market. However, further improvements are needed in public transport systems to ensure they are more effective, efficient, and fair. This means enhancing their support for the economy, ensuring services are more widely available at lower costs, and expanding accessibility for all, especially those with limited mobility and underserved regions.
Make rail interoperability actual and widespread through homogenisation and simplification of technical regulations
Rail interoperability is key to transforming Europe’s fragmented rail markets into a single, unified system. Unlike air and coach sectors, rail is still heavily fragmented by national regulations, making it costly and inefficient. A unified system would reduce barriers to entry, create a robust secondary market for rolling stock, and promote competition. The focus should be on simplifying and standardising operations, regulations, and rolling stock, thus reducing operational costs and fostering competition across borders.
Stimulate countries and regions to effectively liberalise local public transport
The liberalisation of local public transport markets is essential for innovation and competition. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) have been effective in guiding local planning, but there are still governance and political barriers that slow tender processes and limit flexibility. EU support is needed to encourage better governance, regional scale planning, and tender designs that foster competition. Establishing networks for regulators to exchange best practices and addressing barriers such as fare system rigidity are key to achieving this goal.
From Trans-European Networks to Trans-European Services
The vision of a seamless Trans-European Network has faced political and financial hurdles, delaying infrastructure development. To mitigate this, Europe should focus on creating a network of Trans-European Services through tenders and subsidies. These would fill gaps in intercity cross-border connections and stimulate demand for future infrastructure projects. Such services could help rail companies expand across Europe and improve connectivity between cities, promoting more sustainable travel options.
The right transport services for each territory
Mobility needs vary across Europe, requiring tailored transport solutions. High-speed rail is vital for metropolitan areas but not always suitable for smaller cities and rural regions. Intermodality between rail, coach, and air travel should be promoted to serve remote areas effectively. Europe should support Member States in developing interconnected transport systems, ensuring accessibility and connectivity principles are met for all regions.
CERRE’s Ambitions for Europe 2024-2029

- Towards a new regulatory approach: Adopting novel ways of working to adapt to new challenges
- Build robust, resilient, and future-proof digital infrastructure and foundational technologies
- Ensure a safe, positive and fair online platform ecosystem
- Create a thriving, vibrant, and competitive data and innovation economy
- Developing fair and efficient energy and carbon markets
- Building resilient and sufficient energy infrastructure
- Creating appropriate institutional and governance framework to reach net zero
- Supporting effective, efficient, and fair public transport in Europe
- Establish a leading-edge, smart, and sustainable European Mobility Data Space