1. More and more people are living in urban areas
2. Urban communities are becoming larger and less
3. Billions are lost in traffic congestion
4. Quicker between cities - but slower in the cities
5. Moving cars take up precious urban space
6. Parked cars use valuable urban space uneconomically
7. The waste of limited urban space
8. Cars waste a lot of energy
9. Pollution, mainly from car traffic, is destroying the quality of air in urban areas
10. Noise destroys the quality of life in urban communities
11. Traffic accidents kill 45,000 people per year in Europe
12. Not everyone has a car or access to a car
13. The decision maker’s perception of public opinion

The vicious cycle of urban decline

1. Urban density is more cost-effective than urban sprawl
2. Urban development around public transport stations
3. Cities become welcoming and dynamic when freed from congestion
4. More trade after pedestrianization
5. Strict parking policies in city centres reduces traffic jams
6. Park + Ride complements parking restrictions in city centres
7. Fast, reliable public transport can attract passengers from other modes
8. Give public transport a reserved right-of-way
9. Low floor means easy access
10. For heavy traffic demand, metros and suburban rail are the answer
11. Attractive Interchanges are key to successful public transport
12. Good passenger information is essential for seamless travel
13. Electronic ticketing helps make public transport easier to use
14. Urban car journeys should be properly charged
15. Innovative Financing is needed for investing in Public Transport
16. Success breeds success

A balanced traffic system in urban areas



1. Public transport adds value to developing new or undeveloped areas
2. Light rail regenerates city centres
3. Pedestrians, cyclists, buses and trams make a good combination for inner city centres
4. Attractive rail and bus services to out-of-town shopping and leisures centres
5. Fast reliable links from city centres to airports
6. Co-ordination of all modes
7. New technology can be used to better inform passengers
8. Easy access to all modes by ‘e-ticket’
9. Quality Bus Corridors transports 40% to 200% more passengers at peak times
10. High capacity buses networks can successfully transport large quantities of people
11. Light rail can also satisfy heavy demand
12. The renaissance of trams
13. Tram-train, a new concept using both light and heavy rail lanes
14. Metro can rapidly move large number of passengers
15. Art brings light underground
16. Wealth and public transport go together!


This brochure has been prepared by the UITP General Commission for Urban Life. The Editorial team consisted of Peter Scheidegger, Louis Marchand, Gilbert Delva, Michel Quidort, Jean Vivier and Heather Allen. Thanks should be given for the support of many members of the UITP General Secretariat, in particular Stéphanie Loozen and Thierry Maréchal.