News from Europe
EMTA’s 56th General Meeting in Sofia: Ticketing and regional rail services high on the agenda
Public transport leaders of the largest metropolitan transport authorities gathered for the 56th General Meeting of EMTA in Sofia, Bulgaria. The meeting was hosted by the local public transport authority, Sofia Urban Mobility Centre, an EMTA member since 2023. Against the rich cultural backdrop of Bulgaria’s capital, the focus of the event was centred on
EMTA and IRU call for workable Buy European rules for electric buses
European Metropolitan Transport Authorities (EMTA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) are urging the Irish Presidency and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to fix key provisions in the Industrial Accelerator Act’s proposed “Buy European” rules for electric vehicles, warning that the current approach risks forcing working electric buses off the road and penalising public
EMTA calls for recognition of integrated metropolitan transport networks in a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen
EMTA sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Commissioner for Transport Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, to express once again the serious concerns of Europe’s metropolitan transport authorities regarding the current direction of the Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation (SDBTR) as part of the passenger mobility package to be published next week.
Public transport leaders gathered in Stockholm for 55th EMTA General Meeting
Stockholm is one of the leading cities in the world when it comes to public transport. The Swedish capital provided a perfect setting for the 55th General Meeting of EMTA, held on 15-17 April. The meeting was hosted by our wonderful colleagues from SL, the public transport authority for Stockholm county. The thematical focus of
Comprehensive safety testing for cyber risks of electric buses in Oslo
Ruter in Oslo has conducted a test of two electric buses in an isolated environment inside a mountain. The purpose was to identify risks in electric buses. “This comprehensive and unique test enables us to build the right protection into the buses. Public transport in Oslo and Akershus should have access to the best technology
Boarding through all doors in regional buses of Prague metropolitan region
Since August 2025, there has been a fundamental change in boarding on suburban bus lines within the Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system. Boarding through all doors has now been enabled on almost a hundred daytime and ten night time bus lines, instead of the previous boarding only through the front door. The introduction of the
EMTA Barometer 2025 is released
The 2025 edition of the EMTA Barometer is out now, providing a comprehensive set of public transport data across the largest metropolitan areas in Europe. In 2024, the rapid decarbonisation of public transport showed no signs of slowing down. The rise of electric buses continued, particularly in the northern parts of the continent. Metropolitan regions
Ticketing and road user charging on focus during the 54th EMTA General Meeting in London
When it comes to public transport tickets, it can sound like an understatement to declare London a frontrunner, and the same holds true for road user charging. It was therefore no surprise that these themes took centre stage at the 54th General Meeting of EMTA, held in London from 8 to 10 October 2025. Leaders
Erik Norling appointed as new EMTA President
Erik Norling, the CEO of SL in Stockholm, was unanimously appointed as the new EMTA President for a two-year term in the association’s General Meeting in London on 10 October 2025. Mr Norling started at SL in 2021, when he was appointed Director of Traffic. He took on the role of CEO in April 2025.
President Katalin Walter leaves EMTA – Köszönjük, Kati!
Katalin Walter handed in her resignation as CEO of BKK to the Mayor of Budapest on May 29th, due to the extremely challenging political situation that is hindering productive and effective leadership. Subsequently, she will also leave the presidency of EMTA, a position she has held since 2023. She will remain in her role until
EMTA Members
