Barclay Davies reports on the European Passengers’ Federation and its work to improve services and passenger rights across Europe
Bus Users UK has been a member of the European Passengers’ Federation (EPF) since 2014. Its 2026 AGM, held on 18 April in Oltern, Switzerland, was an opportunity for member organisations to come together virtually and in-person to look at the work of the EPF and its impact on passenger rights.
It was also an opportunity to find out more about EPF members and, this year, the meeting heard from Pro Bahn Switzerland on its campaigning and advocacy work for public transport. Pro Bahn Switzerland’s mission is to promote high quality public transport, encourage environmentally and friendly mobility, advocate for better bus, train and tram services, and influence political decisions related to transport.
Other key events in the EPF calendar include its Annual Conference, planned for 5-6 June in Maastricht. The Conference offers a dynamic platform for industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to explore pressing issues and innovations in passenger mobility. The event is being held in the ‘Gouvernement aan de Maas’ building (Provincial House of Limburg) where the EU Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992.
EPF, European Consumer Organisations and the European Disability Forum, representing passengers, consumers, and disabled people, will jointly call for a fundamental shift in thinking and policy: to make public transport appealing, user-friendly, inclusive, accessible, and seamless. The aim is that public transport should be designed, not as a last resort, but as the first choice – a reliable, affordable, and dignified option that meets diverse mobility needs across all contexts, from urban to rural areas, within and between regions, and across borders, for both short- and long-distance journeys.
The Conference will end with a call for organisations to sign up to the following principles:
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- Make public transport more user-friendly, attractive and dependable
- Facilitate integrated and well-connected end-to-end journeys
- Ensure that public transport is inclusive and accessible to all
- Make sure that sustainable options are affordable and price-competitive
- Make public transport a priority in policy & investment and ensure structural funding for sustainable mobility.
Find out more – European Passengers’ Federation