Press Release: For a more efficient and quality service of public transport

The European Commission adopted on 26 July 2000 a draft regulation on public services in passenger transport, which aims to improve its performance and transparency through controlled competition . The new framework aims to harmonise key aspects of the competitive procedures developed in the different Member States and promote legal certainty about the rights and duties of operators and authorities in relation to Community law on state aids and exclusive rights. It will also establish an explicit obligation for authorities to pursue adequate public transport services in order to protect quality, integration of services and interests of the employees. “Attractive, efficient public transport is a vital component of a modern transport system,” said Vice-President Loyola de Palacio. “It has an essential role in beating congestion and cleaning up our environment. This proposal will make sure that public transport operators are under competitive pressure to offer passengers better services, keep costs under control and ensure the highest safety level.”

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