Mobility for everyone: Why public transport is central to a connected Europe

Every September, European Mobility Week reminds us that sustainable mobility is about more than moving people: it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and the health of our cities and regions. This year’s theme, Mobility for everyone, is especially poignant. If Europe is to meet its sustainability goals, deliver cleaner air, and unlock fairer access to opportunity, public transport must sit at the very centre of the solution.

At Arriva, we know this first-hand. With public transport operations in 11 European countries, employing more than 36,000 people and delivering 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year, we see every day how buses, trains, trams, and shared mobility services connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, and each other. Public transport is not just a service, it is the backbone of Europe’s social, environmental, and economic ambitions.

Mobility as a driver for social inclusion

When more people choose public transport, the benefits multiply: lower emissions and cleaner air, improved physical and mental health, more resilient local economies, and better access to jobs, education, and essential services for underserved areas. When transport systems are designed around the needs of passengers, they create a virtuous cycle. Higher ridership drives better services and investment, which in turn attracts even more users.

But to deliver true Mobility for everyone, we need a decisive shift in how people travel. Walking, cycling, buses, trams, and trains must become the natural first choice for more journeys. That requires services that are more frequent, more reliable, and more integrated, designed around the needs of passengers rather than the dominance of private cars. At Arriva, we work with municipalities and transport authorities across Europe to design networks that do exactly this, creating the conditions for long-term modal shift.

Making journeys seamless through digital innovation

Technology is already helping make public transport more attractive and accessible. From real-time updates and contactless payments to integrated journey planning apps and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), digital tools are breaking down barriers to access and making journeys smoother and more predictable.

Arriva is investing in digital solutions that smooth passenger journeys.  We offer swipe and pay facilities and/or digital apps in all our countries enabling easier spontaneous choice to use public transport.  This is how Arriva can serve its customers with innovative solutions, and evolve and grow the business beyond simple transport operations.

Partnering for Europe’s green transition

Meeting Europe’s climate goals depends on more than cleaner vehicles: it requires a fundamental shift in how people travel. Public transport operators and public bodies must act together to prioritise buses and trains over cars, accelerate decarbonisation, and design networks that meet the needs of tomorrow’s passengers.

At Arriva we see ourselves as more than a transport operator – we are a partner to the communities and regions we serve. That means being a responsible business, shaping the future of mobility and helping our partners deliver on their climate and mobility goals. Arriva has extensive expertise across Europe making us a vital partner to public transport authorities across the continent bringing in sustainable solutions that better serve communities.

Arriva is committed to being a trusted partner in that journey. We are investing heavily in zero-emission fleets and infrastructure, with more than 735 electric buses on order, set to rise to 1,300 this year, we are also investing heavily in the associated infrastructure which is required to electrify our depots in support of these new fleets.  A recent €300 million order for 22 new electric trains in the Czech Republic follows another order in the UK for 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, which have the flexibility to run on electrified and non-electrified tracks, representing an investment of around £300 million. These investments are not just fleet upgrades: they are proof that Mobility for everyone is within reach, and that the sector is ready to deliver the modal shift Europe urgently needs.

We want to work with regulators and transport authorities across Europe to enable long-term modal shift with passengers at the heart of any plans. By implementing clear and simple measures that prioritise public transport over personal vehicles and improve punctuality, modal shift will become simpler and easier. This in turn will accelerate decarbonisation, drive network expansion, and expedite investment and innovation, making public transport the preferred choice.

Looking ahead

Whilst European Mobility Week 2025 gives us an opportunity to reflect on the impact of our sector, it’s the long-term opportunity that’s really compelling. At Arriva, we believe public transport is essential to achieving Europe’s environmental, social, and economic ambitions, and to ensuring every citizen can access the opportunities they deserve.

The challenge is clear: only by making public transport the first choice for everyone can Europe meet its ambitions. By working together, we can ensure that Mobility for everyone is more than a theme – it is the core of everyday life for communities across Europe.

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