The European Social Partners in the Urban Public Transport sector, representing operators and workers across all EU Member States, welcome the European Commission’s commitment to modernise the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
However, they stress that this ambition must be matched by a clear prioritisation of local public transport.
“With nearly 60 billion passenger journeys each year and growing demand, public transport is essential to keeping our cities moving,” said Julieta De Micheo Carrillo De Albornoz, Institutional Affairs & ESG Director at EMT Madrid, Chair of the European Social Dialogue Committee & Business Management & Human Resources Committee at UITP.
“Every euro invested generates 4 euros in return, supporting around 2 million local jobs across Europe and boosting the competitiveness and resilience of our cities and regions, all while driving a green and just transition.”
Despite its strategic importance, urban, suburban and regional mobility remain insufficiently recognised in current proposals. The European Social Partners therefore call for dedicated funding envelopes across key EU instruments, including the National and Regional Partnership Plans, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the Connecting Europe Facility.
“Rising energy costs, requirements to decarbonise fleets and infrastructure, and increasing passenger numbers are putting a strain on public transport budgets.” said Andreas Schackert, Federal Working Group Leader for Buses and Trains in the United Services Union (ver.di) Germany and vice-chair of the European Social Dialogue Working Group for UPT.
“Without public transport, our cities would grind to a halt. Without further investment, the ability for our public transport systems to provide sustainable mobility to millions of Europeans will be jeopardised.”
