PT Lab - Level up public transport for healthier & more sustainable cities in Europe with UPPER tools and resources

Public transport is more than just buses, trams, and metros—it is the backbone of urban mobility, shaping how people move and how cities function. But as urban challenges evolve and sustainability takes centre stage, public transport needs to do more than keep up; it must lead the way. This webinar explored how public transport is being redefined through EU policies, city-led initiatives, and groundbreaking projects like UPPER.

The webinar looked into how cities can leverage policy frameworks such as Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and Fit for 55 to prioritise public transport. POLIS has been actively pushing for stronger commitments at the EU level, including drafting a joint letter to the new EU Parliament and contributing to key recommendations through the Expert Group on Urban Mobility. But policy is only part of the picture. The real challenge lies in translating these frameworks into practical, effective changes on the ground—something cities like Budapest and Leuven are tackling head-on.

The UPPER project is a prime example of how cities can take an innovative approach to public transport. By implementing measures that encourage a shift from private vehicles to buses and trains, UPPER is working towards ambitious climate and mobility goals. Cities involved in the project, from Valencia to Oslo, are testing new technologies, refining multimodal integration, and using digital tools like U-TWIN to monitor public transport performance in real-time. Leuven’s complete bus network redesign and Budapest’s data-driven approach to improving traffic flow are just two examples of how cities are using these insights to build more efficient and user-friendly networks.

The conversation did not shy away from the challenges—funding gaps, the complexities of multimodal integration, and the need for better public engagement. But it also showcased solutions: innovative governance models, technology-driven tools, and strategic policy support that can help cities make public transport the first choice for more people.

Public transport is no longer just about moving people from A to B. It is about creating liveable, inclusive cities where sustainable mobility is the norm. The full report is available now if you want to explore these insights in more detail.