The European Commission’s new 10-year vision for transport policy contains almost no climate change-related measures, disappointing Brussels’ own environment department officials who worry that while Europe has met with successes in reducing emissions from the energy and manufacturing sectors, soaring emissions from transport have wiped out those gains.
The commission communication, which aims to set the bloc’s transport agenda from 2010 to 2020, is to be published Wednesday (17 June). The text – seen by EUobserver – focuses on solving problems within the sector, such as upgrading infrastructure and improving safety.
“The most immediate priorities appear to be the better integration of the different modes of transport as a way to improve the overall efficiency of the system and the acceleration of the development and deployment of innovative technologies,” it says.
It notes that with “still over 39,000 deaths in the EU in 2008, transport by road remains far too costly in terms of human lives,” adding that “he reduction of accidents and of health hazards, the protection of passengers’ rights and the accessibility of remote regions must remain a high priority.”
The document backs the strengthening of passenger rights, noting that consumer satisfaction in bus and rail public transport is very low.
It calls for liberalisation of the rail sector, arguing that similar moves in aviation and road transport have slashed costs. And it suggests that bus and train tickets should be made electronic.
But it is startling for its omissions on fighting the sector’s environmental impact.
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