EU greenhouse gas emissions from transport increased in 2015

Total European Union greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.5 % in 2015, according to new European Environment Agency (EEA) data published on the 1st of June. Transport was a key reason for that increase: better fuel efficiency in that sector was not enough to counter the effects of an increasing demand for transport.

The EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2015 for the first time since 2010. Higher emissions were caused mainly by increasing road transport, both passenger and freight, and slightly colder winter conditions in Europe, compared to 2014, leading to higher demand for heating.

Take part in CIPTEC survey for the future of public Transport sector

Would you like to have a word for the future of the Public Transport sector and improve the quality of life in cities?

CIPTEC (Collective Innovation for Public Transport in European Cities, 2015-2018) project asks from the public to contribute (10 minutes survey) to fill in anonymously the evaluation questionnaire, regarding promising and innovative ideas, concepts and services that could improve the travel experience by Public Transport in European Cities.

The survey is part of CIPTEC, a research project funded by the European Commission through Horizon 2020 Programme. It addresses the challenge for smart, green, and integrated transport. CIPTEC aims at contributing towards the creation of a favourable environment for the growth of Public Transport across Europe.

For more information: click here.

Luxembourg starts operation of all-electric buses

The first commercially manufactured all-electric Volvo buses have started operating in the city of Differdange in Luxembourg. The buses, named the Volvo 7900 Electric, can carry 85 passengers and are 12-metres long with low floors and three doors. They have 80% lower energy consumption than a comparable diesel bus, are silent, exhaust emission-free and are equipped with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries.

Differdange’s focus on electrically powered buses is part of the city’s ambitious sustainability drive, with public transport forming a crucial focus area. The four electric buses are used on four routes with lengths from 8km to 9.5km. Each bus is driven approximately 25 minutes and then the buses’ batteries are fast-charged in three to six minutes at the end stations using an open interface known as OppCharge (opportunity charging), which follows the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) recommendations.

For more information: click here.

Digitilisation is changing public transport

Digital technologies have the potential to deliver a revolutionary impact on the public transport sector. UITP’s (International Association of Public Transport) new report Digitalisation in public transport explores the impact of this trend in public transport, outlining the opportunities it brings as well as the challenges faced.

Digitalisation brings a host of opportunities for the public transport sector, including opportunities to increase efficiency and improve quality, lower costs, open up new revenue streams, improve the customer experience and loyalty, and explore new services, with new concepts like ‘mobility as a service’ (MaaS) and new emerging technologies like driverless cars. However, digitilisation also brings a number of significant challenges which must be faced. As digitalisation creeps into every aspect of the public transport business, clarifying where and how digitalisation is affecting the sector is a complex exercise. UITP has identified some key issues:

Europe on the Move: Actions and initiatives of the Commission for clean, competitive and connected mobility that affects everyone

Mobility has a major influence on the daily lives of European citizens and directly employs more than 11 million people. The European Commission adopts a long-term strategy for a fundamental modernisation of European mobility and transport up to 2025. The aim is to help the sector to stay competitive in a socially fair transition towards clean energy, zero emissions and digitalisation.

"Europe on the Move" consists of:

• A first series of 8 legislative initiatives specifically targeting road transport. This sector is of particular importance as it directly employs 5 million Europeans, while contributing to almost a fifth of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. The proposals will improve the functioning of the road haulage market and help improve workers' social and employment conditions.
• The Commission also intends to promote seamless mobility solutions so that citizens and businesses can travel easily across Europe. For instance, interoperability between tolling systems will enable road users to drive throughout the EU without having to be concerned by different administrative formalities. Common specifications for public transport data will also allow passengers to better plan their journey and follow the best route even if it crosses a border.
• The EU will drive this transition through targeted legislation and supporting measures, including infrastructure investment, research and innovation.