December 14-15 2011 the European Parliament debated and voted in favor of the Report on the Roadmap to a single European Transport Area, submitted by the Member of the European Parliament Matthie Grosch. Significant points of the report included a reference to promote environmentally friendly transport and double the users of public transport in European Member States. Member states are suggested under the report to submit proposals by 2013 for initiatives that promoted environmentally friendly transport with the aim of doubling the users of public transport.

The report explains, ”there is an acute need to take action in towns, as the population in conurbations is increasing, which will lead to increasing traffic, noise and air pollution. For this reason, mobility plans will also have to provide for increased infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and lead to the doubling of the number of public transport users. Bus and tram transport in particular can significantly contribute to efficient co-modality in urban, suburban and regional transport, provided that the requisite infrastructure is adapted or made available.”

See: Report