With about 30% of the EU population living in internal border regions, our new publication“Study on providing public transport in cross-border regions – mapping of existing services and legal obstacles” contributes to the growing recognition of the importance of cross-border public transport services (CBPT) and their role in facilitating cross-border activities central to de development of border regions.

The study consists of an inventory of cross-border public transport services, which is also accessible via a web-viewer (www.crossbordertransport.eu); an inventory of obstacles to CBPT provision; a set of 31 case studies detailing selected CBPT services and a toolbox indicating possible ways forward to overcome obstacles.

An analysis of the inventory of obstacles and 31 case studies contributed to the development of a toolbox with solutions to overcome obstacles for cross-border public transport service provision. Recognising that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and that tailor-made solutions adapted to the local and regional context conditions of a given border are necessary, the toolbox hopes to provide ‘building blocks’ for CBPT development rather than offering a step-by-step guide to allow for flexible use.

This study marks a milestone in the work towards optimising cross-border public transport around Europe, identifying obstacles, finding solutions and highlighting the benefits and significance of these services.

Read the report here.

If you would like to learn more about the study, please also rewatch the fifth episode of the “Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debates” series, which discussed its main findings ahead of its publication.