EMTA was created in 1998 at the initiative of the STIF, as a forum for the exchange of information research and experience between the public transport authorities responsible for planning, integrating and financing public transport services in the largest cities across Europe. EMTA regularly contributes to the European Commission consultation exercises, and takes opportunities to voice its concerns to European Institutions
32 members across 17 European Countries and a partner institution in Canada
About Public Transport Authorities In Stockholm, Ingemar Ziegler CEO of SL, when presenting the public transport system says it is a gigantic environmental project in itself, our goal is to make our customers more satisfied and thereby increase our market share above 80% in peak hours. Although institutional frameworks are diverse across Europe, some main features are commonly encountered: A local public body bringing together, especially in metropolitan areas, different levels of governance (municipalities, towns, counties, regions) Among main missions are : Definition of the transport services, level of provision, level of Quality of service, main operational conditions, with a view to achieve accessibility of whole territory; Tariff policy and tickets with a view to social inclusion; Relationships with operators, especially awarding and contracting process; Accountable for the overall financial balance of the transport system; To some extend planning and development of infrastructure, and participation into funding of infrastructure. More : see EMTA Directory
Challenge faced to achieve sustainable mobility... The role of Public transport is crucial in metropolitan areas in reducing pollution while supporting economic growth. The improvement of public transport means: Increase in provision of services and adaptation to new mobility needs Strong integration of networks (seamless trips, integration of soft modes, inclusion of shared private modes...) Improvement of the quality of service Attractive fair policy to achieve social inclusion while encouraging modal shift Strong coordination with policies of land planning and urban development Strong focus on financial issues.../...
Challenge faced to achieve sustainable mobility... Such improvements call for strong public transport authorities, their role is: Definition of objectives and policies of urban mobility Size of networks, choice of modes to provide services Fare policy Coordination with other related policies in the mobility field: traffic planning, parking policy, taxis... But also land use planning, housing schemes. etc.. Implementation of transparent and balanced relationship with operators (transport companies) Main challenges are : The appropriate level of subsidiarity: public transport organisation is above all local decision, however the support of regional, national and supra-national levels may be instrumental in achieving sustainable mobility The need for new sources of funds: the necessary increase in provision and quality of services raises the level of operational costs, patronage has decreased in several places since 2008, and public subsidies are shrinking. Besides, the development of transport networks calls for investments in new infrastructure and rolling stock. New financial mechanisms are to be explored.
EMTA main activities Exchange of information Biannual meetings of the members Working groups Web site Information of the members on latest news on public transport www.emta.com Research and benchmarking Thematic working groups on contracting with operators, quality monitoring, accessibility of transport systems to people with reduced mobility /to older people needs, electronic ticketing, implementing Public service Obligation Directive Benchmarking performances of the Transport systems: EMTA Barometer unique data collection on key indicators. Participation into European projects EURFORUM on a strategic research agenda on urban mobility AENEAS efficient mobility for older people
EMTA main activities Publications Quarterly newsletter EMTA NEWS Barometer of public transport in the metropolitan areas every 2 years Surveys (among the latest Electronic Ticketing in public transport, Older People and Public Transport, Door to Door service provisions ) Directory published every other year with a detailed presentation of each member Workshops and conferences Series of workshop based on thematic working groups, research outcomes proceedings available on EMTA website Representation of the interests of Transport Authorities at European and International level Position papers Contribution to the European Commission Green Paper 2 nd Consultation «Towards a new culture for urban mobility» 2008; Contribution to Green Paper on urban transport 1rst Consultation 2007; Contribution to the Green paper on services of general interest 2003
Working groups On accessibility and inclusion issues Various studies on travel information, door to door services, Older People and Public transport. Current activity monitoring on implementing and evaluating fully accessible transport systems On E-ticketing (automatic fare collection system based on Information and Communication technologies ICT) last study Which criteria for decision making released in 2008 On New Directive 1070/2700 On Passenger transport services by rail and by road so called public service obligation or PSO Directive/ Study on implementation challenges and constraints across European Metropolises (on going study) On financial issues: publication of the Barometer and update of Directory, elaboration of an economic paper with expert J.Viegas, forthcoming workshop (5-6 November Warsaw)
EMTA answers to EC Green Paper consultation Towards a new culture for urban mobility Through this Green Paper consultation, the European Commission wants to set a new European agenda for urban mobility however respecting subsidiarity principle: The consultation opens a debate on the key issues of urban mobility: freeflowing and greener towns and cities, smarter urban mobility and an urban transport which is accessible, safe and secure for all European citizens. All in the form of 25 questions, the document Towards a new culture for urban mobility adopted on 25 September 2007 aims at facilitating the search for solutions. Responses were due March 2008. The outcomes will help EC in designing the Action Plan.
Summary of EMTA answers: We would welcome joined-up thinking on European Union policies that have a significant urban dimension from transport and energy to employment and social inclusion issues to urban planning and development. We want to emphasize the growing pressure put on public transport systems in the greater metropolitan areas in achieving sustainable mobility and therefore the related growing needs of funding such systems. We express our willingness to share with the European Commission our knowledge on good practices, participate in the dissemination of experience and provide useful data published by EMTA. (Barometer and report on infrastructure financing for example) We encourage EC funding of trials and experiments to stimulate innovation, and guidelines and forums to disseminate good practice but we would also welcome larger schemes of funding taking into account sets of measures for an integrated urban mobility policy including financial help for infrastructure projects even in the largest metropolitan areas.
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