81% of all Europeans use public transport for day-to-day travel, a clear indicator that this mode has become integral to urban life across the continent. Yet, variations exist among capitals regarding transportation types, accessibility, and the measures aimed at encouraging public transit usage. A staggering 95% of residents in European capitals are located within a fifteen-minute walk of a public transport stop or station. For over half, the distance is shortened to just five minutes, pointing to the critical role of proximity in shaping travel habits.
On the opening day of the European Mobility Expo (EuMo), taking place in Strasbourg from October 1 to 3, representatives from French public transport organizations GART and UPF, along with GIE Objectif transport public, unveiled the results of an exclusive survey conducted in partnership with opinion pollsters IFOP.
This survey explored how individuals in five major European capitals—Berlin, Madrid, Paris, Stockholm, and Warsaw—utilize and perceive public transport, providing a comprehensive overview of urban mobility practices in these cities.
The survey pinpoints critical factors that could encourage non-users to adopt public transport. Primary attributes influencing these decisions include comfort and safety, followed closely by the frequency of service. Interestingly, while cost and environmental effects are acknowledged as significant factors, they fall lower on the priority list, despite respondents indicating they are influenced by promotional offers.
Public Transport: At the Heart of Everyday Travel
With 81% of respondents across Europe relying on public transport for daily commuting, Paris stands out with the highest usage rate; nearly half of respondents cite it as their primary travel choice. However, the persistence of individual motorized transport is evident, as 56% of respondents still opt for cars, with 32% firmly preferring it. This data underscores the pressing need for effective strategies to encourage a shift toward mass transit solutions, particularly in cities like Madrid and Warsaw, where car usage remains predominant (54% and 55% respectively).
Accessibility proves essential when it comes to public transport. An impressive 95% of residents in European capitals live within a fifteen-minute walk of a stop or station, with over half enjoying the convenience of being just five minutes away. Notably, disparities arise, as evidenced by Warsaw’s lower figure, where only 44% can claim similar access.
The survey highlights various strategies to promote sustainable mobility throughout European cities. While confirming that public transport is widely utilized, the results also indicate significant opportunity for improvement, particularly in converting solo car users to lower-carbon transport options. Enhancements in accessibility, safety, comfort, passenger information, and the development of digital tools are identified as essential in supporting this transition.
Perceptions of acceptable walking distances vary significantly across capitals; for instance, residents of Berlin tend to avoid walks longer than 15 minutes, while Parisians are more inclined to walk 30 minutes or beyond. Such differences illustrate the diverse preferences and cultural attitudes influencing public transport usage.
The survey also reveals what could potentially encourage non-users to embrace public transport: comfort and safety emerge as paramount considerations, followed closely by how frequently services run. Notably, while cost and environmental impacts are relevant to users, they do not dominate decision-making. Promotions do play a role; however, they’ll need to be supported by tangible improvements to the public transport experience overall.
Digital Incentives to Use Public Transport?
Digital technology increasingly shapes public transport usage, with over 80% of respondents employing digital resources to plan their travels. Nearly half utilize apps or websites operated by transit authorities. Interestingly, in Madrid and Warsaw, individuals show a greater reliance on automatic ticket machines, although they acknowledge that enhanced digital solutions could incentivize them to use public transport more frequently. Conversely, those who do not currently use public transport are typically less aware of the advantages these technologies offer, often citing concerns about their complexity.
The survey findings propose actionable insights for promoting sustainable mobility across Europe. While it confirms widespread public transport usage, there remains ample room for growth, particularly in encouraging car users to transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Accessible, safer, and more enjoyable public transport experiences, alongside improved passenger information and innovative digital resources, emerge as critical pathways for creating not just less congested, but also cleaner cities.