Transport: public services and state aid

In adopting the report by Mr Frits CASTRICUM (PSE, NL) on public services and State aid to transport, the European Parliament recalled the right of the consumer to efficient and affordable transport services. It held the view that the right to mobility was fundamental and that public transport could help solve the traffic problems (congestion and environmental impact). Believing that a completely liberalised public transport system did not offer any guarantee as to the preservation of an integrated network, Parliament recalled that the maintenance of such an infrastructure was the responsibility of national governments. Insofar as an improvement in the efficiency of public transport services is achieved by rationalisation of the companies concerned, State aid may be desirable in order to reduce the social impact of these restructuring measures. While recognizing that the responsibilities of public services may cover the provision of extensive transport networks, particularly in outlying and rural areas, Parliament nevertheless thought it necessary that a distinction be drawn between public service infrastructures and operations, and that the State could assume responsibility for the construction and maintenance of such infrastructures. �