On 6 March, the European Commission’s Youth Policy Dialogue on transport and tourism brought together 20 young representatives from across Europe in Brussels. Hosted by Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the dialogue focused on the expectations and needs of young people as transport users, tourists, and job seekers. Representing EPF at the event were Wandifadza Chivaura and Jorge Morera, who joined the discussion on shaping a more inclusive and sustainable transport future.

A key issue raised during the dialogue was transport poverty, a growing concern that affects many young people across Europe. Defined by the European Parliamentary Research Service, transport poverty occurs when when people do not have access to essential services or work because of a lack of affordable or available transport options.

Many young people, particularly those in suburban and rural areas, have limited transport options, forcing them to rely on private vehicles, which can be expensive and environmentally unsustainable. Participants stressed that addressing this issue requires increased investment in public transport, particularly on-demand services and multimodal connectivity, to ensure that all passengers have the freedom to choose sustainable and accessible travel options.

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of intermodal transport solutions, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly across different modes, from buses and trains to shared mobility services and active transport options such as cycling.

Currently, fragmented ticketing systems create significant barriers to sustainable travel. Participants emphasized the need for a unified ticketing system, where a single ticket could cover an entire journey, including connections between regional and international transport.

When passengers are provided with transparent, real-time travel information and easy access to multimodal travel options, they are more likely to choose public transport over private cars, reducing congestion, emissions, and dependency on fossil fuels.

Safety and accessibility were also key topics during the discussion. Participants highlighted the need for inclusive transport systems that cater to all users, including people with disabilities, older passengers, and those with reduced mobility.

Affordability remains another major barrier to sustainable mobility. Despite being one of the greenest transport options, rail travel is often more expensive than flying, making it a less attractive choice for young travellers. Participants urged policymakers to introduce fairer pricing mechanisms, subsidies, and incentives that make sustainable transport a viable alternative for all users.

Young people across Europe are increasingly committed to environmentally friendly travel, but cost and convenience often determine their choices. To encourage sustainable mobility, participants highlighted several key areas for improvement:

• Expanding night train networks and cross-border rail services
• Investing in cycling and walking infrastructure
• Implementing on-demand public transport in underserved areas
• Strengthening rail and public transport connectivity to airports

Sustainability must go hand in hand with equity and affordability, ensuring that all young travellers, not just those in major cities, can access green transport options.

The Youth Policy Dialogue reinforced the importance of actively involving young people in shaping Europe’s transport policies. As daily users, future professionals, and decision-makers of tomorrow, young passengers must have a say in how mobility systems evolve to meet their needs.

The European Commission’s commitment to tackling transport poverty, improving intermodal connectivity, and enhancing passenger rights marks a significant step forward. However, the real challenge lies in translating these discussions into meaningful action.

EPF continues to advocate for a passenger-first approach to transport policy, where accessibility, dependability, affordability, and sustainability remain at the core of decision-making. Ensuring that transport policies prioritize real user experiences will be key to building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive mobility future for all. Transport is more than just a service, it is a right, an opportunity, and a pathway to a more connected Europe.

Visit to EUROCONTROL

Following the Youth Policy Dialogue, participants visited EUROCONTROL, the European air traffic management organization. The visit provided insights into how European aviation operates, the challenges it faces, and the role of innovation in making air travel more efficient and sustainable.

EUROCONTROL representatives explained the importance of airspace coordination, the growing demand for greener aviation, and ongoing efforts to reduce flight emissions through smarter routing and alternative fuels. The discussion reinforced the need for greater integration between air and rail travel, ensuring that passengers can seamlessly transition between transport modes without excessive costs, delays, or complexity.