The transposition of the EU Clean Vehicles Directive has tightened up public transport networks’ obligations when it comes to fleet renewals including a proportion of low-emission vehicles. Despite this, the issue of how to finance this energy transition is rarely discussed. Amid the risk of networks operating ageing vehicles due to a lack of resources to replace them by cleaner but more expensive stock, what support can be expected from the authorities? Are subsidies for transitioning to electric or hydrogen solutions enough, considering that many urban and regional networks are not entitled to them? Has the potential of cutting costs by providing support for retrofitting been sufficiently explored?
This panel discussion will examine ways in which the economic equilibrium of public transport can be preserved without compromising its public-service vocation or energy transition.
