In an own-initiative opinion adopted at the EESC October plenary session, the EESC called for mobility to be recognised as an individual right and as a public good that must be available to everyone.

The EESC opinion, put together by Kristina Krupavičienė and Dovilė Juodkaitė, underlines that sustainable mobility can make the EU's green recovery a reality: environment- and user-friendly public transport could be a real driver of the post-COVID-19 recovery.

"The pandemic has acted as a catalyst, showing that public transport is an essential service in the public interest, especially when providing access to jobs and services for frontline workers and vulnerable groups," said Ms Krupavičienė.

According to the EESC, the EU needs strategies to upgrade mobility and improve public transport, making it more attractive and accessible to members of the public, especially those on low incomes.

Public transport can play a key part in Europe's post-pandemic recovery: it can help address climate concerns and at the same time improve quality of life by enabling people to work, enjoy a social life and access culture. However, achieving sustainable mobility requires strong political commitment from all actors and at all levels.

"We call on the European Commission to set measurable and ambitious targets to promote a switch from private car use to collective transport and active mobility, and encourage the European Union and the Member States to contribute to the shift towards greener modes of transport by making them more generally attractive," said Ms Juodkaitė. (mp)