Progress in reducing air pollutants generated by transports has been achieved since 1990. However, many cities are confronted with even greater challenges in terms of the pollution level (set by the European legislation), road transport having the greatest share in damaging air quality. Under the circumstances, electric transport remains the best choice in reducing emissions.
Road transport is responsible for 17.5% of the total greenhouse gas emissions which makes reducing emissions one of the top priorities on the EU agenda. Urban passenger transport can help reduce emissions significantly. According to estimates, urban passenger transport emissions can be reduced by over 88%, in conformity with the 2050 scenarios elaborated by the European Environment Agency, in which part of the citizens has agreed with the implementation of stricter measures for cutting down urban transport emissions, even if it implies changing the daily mobi-
lity habits. Overall, the EU has been active in setting legislative frameworks and mea-
sures which support the reduction of transport emissions, especially from the urban environment. Key activities include the legislation adopted on the CO2 standards (for automotive vehicles) and rolling stock regulations. Also, each member state, city or region, can develop its own policies in conformity with EU long-run objectives. A clear example where local activity is essential is that on meeting the objective for reducing the use of conventional motorized vehicles by 50% by increasing the urban transport share by 2030 and by gradually eliminating them from the cities until 2050. The intention of the cities to adopt measures that would help them meet their targets plays a crucial role, both locally and all over Europe.
The industry also has its well-defined role in this chain which contributes to reducing emissions. The new technologies will substantially contribute to reducing emissions thus supporting long-run objectives. The White Paper includes an intermediary step for meeting these goals and it is estimated that transport-generated emissions will drop by 20% by 2030, compared to 2008 (the equivalent of an 8% growth compared to 1990).
This means that the reduction has to be greater from 2030 to 2050 than previously. The main hypothesis is increasing the avai-lability of technologies that help reduce emissions (especially after 2030), such as the electrification of transport and a broader use of bio-fuels. For this purpose, European ci-
ties implement projects for the extension or modernisation of tram lines or of their underground network. A recent example is the construction of the second line of Warsaw underground, for which the UE and the Municipality have signed the financing agreement. The project is expected to cost EUR 1.34 Billion, with EU’s share in the financing estimated at EUR 619 Million.
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