Public transport is needed now more than ever, says UITP

As the world lives through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, maintaining a specific service within the public transport sector is vital, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has pledged, along with other major transportation associations.

With key sector workers in cities relying on their local mobility options, the sector must always advocate for the basic continuity and survival of our public transport services, the Association claimed.

As a result, UITP has joined forces with other associations to issue an Open Letter to the European institutions calling for the ongoing support of the sector now, and in the times that lie ahead.

With a specific focus on Europe, UITP, IRU, Polis, EuroCities and CER have written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and David Maria Sassoli, President of the European Parliament.

“The continuity and survival of the public transport and local mobility services is essential for Europe and all European citizens – and especially for the many professionals depending on a well-functioning local transportation network to go about their daily lives,” UITP wrote in a statement.

“In order to ensure this continuity, the competent authorities have to guarantee the availability of the relevant medical equipment and products to the public transport and local mobility operators to protect the health and safety of their employees, as well as their passengers.

“These are unprecedented times, and in this unprecedented context, public transport operators and local mobility providers are committed to apply to the extent possible health and safety recommendations in line with the requirements set by local, national and European authorities.” 

UITP also claimed that once the public health situation stabilises after the coronavirus outbreak subsides, public transport and local mobility services will play an even greater role in revitalising the European economy, and it is essential to maintain their integrity now.