EU PUBLIC-PRIVATE SMART MOVE HIGH LEVEL GROUP Concluding public event, European Parliament, 15 May 2013 Intercity and long distance regular lines by bus and coach John Gilbert, HLG rapporteur & President Eurolines Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues, It has been an honor being part of the High Level Group and it is with pleasure that I present you here today the vision of the Group. Intercity and long distance regular bus and coach lines have an important role in the objective of doubling the use of collective transport in the European Union. However, scheduled bus and coach transport in Europe is still struggling for recognition. Very often restrictive legislation prevents them from delivering the best of their mobility potential. In some European countries, in particular from the old “EU core�, scheduled intercity and long-distance bus and coach transport has long been seen merely as consequence and a support mode for other modes, thus leading to political, legislative and infrastructure neglect and underinvestment, which in turn leads to a poor image with the customer. As a result, Europe is lagging behind other more advanced regions worldwide in innovation in scheduled bus and coach transport. European citizens are not fully benefiting from the affordable mobility benefits offered by intercity and longdistance bus and coach services. Bearing in mind the current political and economic situation, scheduled intercity and long-distance bus and coach transport in Europe has the strongest potential for green mobility growth. This can be achieved without public subsidies – at the lowest cost for the European taxpayer. The opening of intercity markets will draw in millions of new customers for buses and coaches, most likely from among car users, rather than from other commercial modes. (Germany for Example) Consumers in countries which have liberalised to a large extent their long-distance intercity market enjoy a much better offer and service quality, at a lower price for the consumer and a lower cost for the tax payer.
Ladies and Gentlemen, if you allow me I would now like to emphasize some of our recommendations. In the short term we should guarantee a fair, efficient and cost-effective implementation of Regulation 181/2011 on the rights of bus and coach passengers throughout the EU, whilst respecting the industry. Specifically we need to focus on the infrastructure, encourage the creation of a European one-stop-shop on-line database with a list of multimodal coach stations in Europe, their facilities and connections. Make such coach stations are eligible for European funds, such as TEN-T funding. Any new EU, national or local decisions in the field of taxation may not increase the relative fiscal burden on the European bus and coach sector. Facilitate the integration of scheduled bus and coach services in current and future multimodal journey planners.
Harmonize and simplify on the medium term existing VAT-related procedures to facilitate intra-EU and international coach transport. Work towards a fiscal system that would incentivize the use of greener transport solutions and services, whilst preventing distortions of competition. And in the long run go for a zero rate VAT for all collective transport.
Especially for the decision makers: dare going for it and promote collective transport. Agree for yourselves and for the industry reliable statistical data that can be the foundation for sustainable political and business related decision. We are open for a constructive cooperation.
Operating long distance lines are a key part of the public transport offering across Europe, let’s recognize it as playing this important role.