56% of Europeans lack regular access to public transport
More than half of Europe’s population faces limited access to public transportation, according to a new study commissioned by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe.
The study, titled “Access denied: Transport poverty in Europe,” was prepared by the Oeko-Institut and examines 11 indicators of transport poverty across European countries. It finds that up to 56% of the population is effectively cut off from transportation because public options are unavailable in their area.
The findings have prompted Greenpeace to call for greater investment in affordable, accessible and sustainable public transport.
Greece records low public transport use
Greece stands out in the study for its particularly low use of public transportation.
According to the report, 72% of people in Greece either do not use public transport or use it less than once a month. Only 7% use public transport daily.
The study also places Greece first in Europe for forced car ownership. Some 22.4% of the Greek population is described as being compelled to own a car, compared with a European average of 6.4%.
At the same time, the proportion of people in Greece who cannot financially afford a car is above the European average.
Transport costs weigh on households
For 14.5% of Greece’s population, transportation costs represent a serious financial burden, according to the study. Only Serbia records a higher share among the countries examined.
The report also identifies differences between urban and rural areas. In Greek cities, the share of people avoiding public transport because of excessively long travel times is below the European average.
In towns and rural areas, however, the share is above the European average, highlighting differences in access to transportation across the country.
Transport inequality affects millions
Across Europe, the study finds that inadequate transportation options can leave people disconnected from employment, healthcare and other essential services.
Up to 19% of the population is estimated to have no practical alternative to owning a private vehicle because of limited transportation options.
The study also points to particular difficulties faced by women and older people, citing safety concerns and physical accessibility as factors that can make public transport less viable.
Greenpeace calls for investment
Herwig Schuster, transport campaign coordinator at Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe, described the situation as a systemic failure and called for public transportation that is affordable, accessible, safe and reliable.
The report recommends measures including targeted social fares, integrated regional and spatial planning and improved safety infrastructure, such as better lighting and emergency alarm systems.
Greek transport infrastructure under scrutiny
Kostas Kaloudis, climate and energy campaign coordinator at Greenpeace Greece, said Greece has fallen behind in public transport infrastructure and argued that expanding the national rail network should become a national priority.
He also called for stronger investment in rail and other forms of mass transportation, alongside comprehensive spatial and regional planning designed to encourage public transport use.
Greenpeace is also advocating for affordable nationwide or regional unlimited public transport passes, described as “climate tickets,” as well as social ticket schemes aimed at making public transportation more accessible.
The organization argues that expanding sustainable public transport could reduce dependence on private vehicles while improving access to employment, services and economic opportunities.
Source:tovima
