European Mobility Expo: 80% of Urban Europeans Rely on Public Transport, But Cars Still Dominate Short Trips

Survey reveals public transport usage trends in major cities, with accessibility and convenience as key factors for encouraging wider adoption.

A new survey unveiled at the 2024 European Mobility Expo has revealed that 80% of Europeans living in major cities utilize public transport on a daily basis, though only 40% consider it their primary mode of travel. The comprehensive study, involving over 2,500 residents from cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Stockholm, and Warsaw, sheds light on how urban Europeans navigate their cities and the challenges they face in embracing public transportation more fully.

Paris Leads in Public Transport Usage

Paris stands out as the leader in public transport use, with 86% of its inhabitants relying on it daily, particularly its vast metro system—one of the most extensive in the world. Despite this, the survey indicated that in cities like Warsaw and Madrid, more than half of the population still prefers cars for their daily commute. In Warsaw, for example, only 44% of residents live within a five-minute walk of a public transport stop, contributing to higher car dependency in the Polish capital.

Marie-Ange Debon, CEO of the Keolis Group and head of the French Union of Public and Rail Transport, commented on these findings, explaining that ease of access and convenience are critical in encouraging drivers to switch to public transport. “Public transport needs to be reliable, safe, and convenient. The closer and more accessible it is, the more likely people are to use it,” she noted.

Short Trips Still Favor Cars

An intriguing insight from the survey is that 36% of respondents across the five cities continue to use cars for journeys lasting less than 15 minutes, highlighting a persistent challenge for city planners and policymakers. This reliance on cars for short trips, especially in urban areas with available public transport, underscores the importance of improving accessibility and offering more attractive, convenient public transport options.

Debon stressed that transportation is responsible for 30% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, with public transport contributing only 1% of that figure. She pointed out that while cars will continue to play a significant role, especially in rural areas, integrating alternative modes of transportation—such as on-demand services, carpooling, and electric busways—can help reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Looking Toward the Future

The findings presented at the European Mobility Expo offer valuable insights for cities seeking to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable transport solutions. Debon emphasized the importance of offering a diverse range of travel options to create well-connected urban territories, noting that this approach supports both regional development and environmental sustainability.

As Europe continues to grapple with the need for greener, more efficient transportation systems, the push for improved public transport accessibility and innovation in alternative travel methods will be key to shaping the future of mobility across the continent.

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