EU pushes for better multimodal travel planning solutions
The Commission Staff Working Document Towards a roadmap for delivering EU-wide multimodal travel information, planning and ticketing services identifies the major challenges to overcome to create a framework supporting more comprehensive services. It also presents the advantages of multimodal travel information and planning services, before the document suggests an integrated approach in the coming years.
The intention is to establish a framework for EU-wide multimodal transport information and respond to the need for further integration of the different modes of transport to make mobility more efficient and user-friendly.
Advantages of multimodal travel information and planning services in urban areas
The Staff Working Document acknowledges multimodal travel information can provide
- Better modal integration and more sustainability by enabling travelers to select the most suitable combination of transport modes for the journey and could lead to an increase use of public transport, cycling or walking in urban environment.
- More flexibility in the event of congestion as travelers can received accurate information on alternative routes, allowing better use of existing transport infrastructure
- More resilience in the event of major disruptions and, hence, improve mobility continuity.
Integrated and Comprehensive approach
In line with the current regulatory framework, the European Commission calls for an effective and efficient cooperation among all stakeholders along the services enabling an integrated approach. It insists on integrated ticketing as a key part of an attractive, user-friendly multimodal transport system and a prerequisite for a seamless approach.
Next steps
The following workprogramms is indicative and conveyed by EU institutions and could be subject to modifications.
- Impact Assessment work on the access and availability of multimodal travel and traffic data: 2014
- Evaluation of further standardization needs: 2015
- Specifications under the ITS Directive, priority action “provision of EU-wide multimodal travel information services”: 2015
- Specifications under the ITS Directive, priority action “provision of EU-wide real-time traffic information services”: 2015
Additional information
The ITS Congress in Helsinki is dedicated to the trends, achievements and opportunities in European markets.
The EC Staff Working Document is available here