City mobility depends on good local public transport

Publication date: 18 February 2010

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRUSSELS, 18TH JANUARY 2010                                       

“Not bad but could do better!” that was the verdict of EuroTest’s latest local public transport survey around Europe.

“Despite some positive results, there is still much space for improvement. Customers need clear, visible and understandable information” said Wil Botman, Director General of the FIA European Bureau. ”Efficient transport with good interconnections is essential if people are to be persuaded to leave their cars at home.”

Travel times, ease of transfers, information provision, ticketing and fares were the criteria examined in this Eurotest. The survey, carried out by the EuroTest consortium consisting of 16 clubs in 15 countries led by German automobile club ADAC under the aegis of the FIA European Bureau, rated nine cities “acceptable”, eleven “good” and Munich, the best, was “very good”. Two cities, Zagreb and Ljubljana failed altogether to make the grade.       

According to Botman, “Looking at the results of this local public transport test and the 2009 Park & Ride EuroTest which examined the availability of out of town parking linked to city transport systems reveal a strong correlation between efficient transport modes and the best performing cities.”

The FIA European Bureau reiterates its position in calling for pragmatic and realistic solutions to city mobility challenges: congestion charging schemes do not necessarily result in the best public transport provision. London, with its famous congestion charging scheme, was placed 20th out of the 23 tested cities.  

Mobility and access to good local transport means are crucial for the development of an inclusive society that caters for its more vulnerable members, be they people with disability, senior citizens, single parents commuting with young children or those unable to afford a car. Good public transport should offer to all in cities a link to daily life and society.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) European Bureau calls for more effective interconnections within transport systems to encourage travellers to take advantage of the range of individual mobility solutions. In congested cities especially, use of different transport modes lessens congestion. Fluid traffic reduces accidents and emissions, is good for road safety and improves the quality of life in the cities.

For detailed results of the local public transport test and for clubs contacts visit: http://www.eurotestmobility.com

ENDS


Notes to editors

1. The test was carried out in several steps between 24 October and 11 December 2009.
2. Local public transport systems were put to the test in the following 23 European cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berne, Brussels, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Helsinki, Leipzig, Lisbon, Ljubljana, London, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna, Warsaw and Zagreb.

3. Download the pdf version here  2010 Local Public Transport.pdf (18.9 KB)