Questions and Answers on the revision of the Delegated Regulation on multimodal travel information services and on the Communication on the creation of a common European mobility data space (EMDS)
Revision of the Delegated Regulation
What is the Delegated Regulation on EU-wide multimodal travel information service (MMTIS)?
The Delegated Regulation 2017/1926 on MMTIS has been in place since 2017. It requires that data holders, such as transport operators, transport authorities, infrastructure managers and transport-on-demand service providers, make information (such as timetables, bike-sharing stations, stations and bus stops) accessible via National Access Points (NAPs) in each Member State. This obligation only applies when the data is available in a digital, machine-readable format. The purpose is to enable data users, such as multimodal travel information service providers, to make accurate information available to passengers, allowing for a smoother multimodal journey. Multimodality can help to reduce overall transport emissions by decreasing reliance on private cars in favour of shared transport combined with active mobility (for example walking and cycling).
What are the main changes with the revision of MMTIS and how will they benefit passengers?
To boost multimodal travel and to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport for each journey leg, it must be easier for passengers to find travel information.
The revised MMTIS will make it mandatory for data holders to make dynamic information (real-time data such as disruptions) accessible via the National Access Points. Until now, only certain static data had to be accessible. The obligation will also be extended to new data, for example on whether bicycles can be taken onto a train, and on accessibility, including for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility (this aligns the Delegated Regulation with the Regulations on EU passenger rights). Under the proposed revision, passengers will also be able to find, via travel information services, real-time information on delays or cancellation of their plane, ferry, or transport-on-demand service, and where they can park their bike, scooter or car.
What is the common European mobility data space (EMDS)?
With the European strategy for data, the European Commission has proposed the creation of EU-wide, interoperable data spaces in strategic sectors, including mobility and transport. The goal is to overcome technical and legal barriers and to ensure trusted and secure data-sharing by combining data-governance frameworks and technical infrastructure while using common design principles wherever possible. In this context, the strategy includes a common European mobility data space (EMDS) that should facilitate the access, pooling and sharing of data from existing and future transport and mobility data sources.
The intention is not to create one vast centralised database or a single hardware infrastructure that will host all of the EU's mobility and transport data through this initiative. The EMDS will instead offer a framework for interlinking and federating many different transport-data ecosystems that are heterogeneous and often difficult to find or access. The EMDS will be based on a decentralised approach, whereby data will continue to be maintained in the respective domains and databases that are governed by public or private stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level.
Why do we need EMDS?
Currently, data sources and the ways in which transport and mobility data is exchanged are deeply fragmented within the different transport modes and related businesses. There is also fragmentation between different Member States and within Member States at different levels (national, regional and local) for both the public and private sectors. This fragmentation hinders the free flow of data (and, more broadly, of people, goods and services) within the EU's single market. It also makes it difficult for users (individuals and service providers) to understand where and how to access and share data, which conditions for reuse apply, and whom they should contact if they have questions or issues with data. These barriers obstruct the benefits of digitalisation in transport, and also the creation of a level playing field for the provision of digital mobility and transport services in the EU.
What will EMDS bring to passengers, commuters and travellers?
Passengers, commuters and travellers will benefit from a better travel experience with more efficient transportation systems and reduced travel times. Access to real-time data will enable them to stay informed of the transport situation, traffic conditions and potential delays, and thus allow them to plan their journeys better. Many service providers and public authorities already offer real-time updates, but more comprehensive data-sharing would raise the quality of services and facilitate more system integration, multimodality, road safety and sustainability.
What will EMDS bring to Member States and public authorities?
Improving our approach to sharing relevant mobility and transport data can significantly benefit Member States and all relevant public authorities, including by improving transport policy-making through data-based decision-making and targeted implementation. It can help boost cross-border connectivity, thus fostering better cooperation between Member States, facilitating seamless travel and trade within the EU and thereby contributing to increased economic growth. Simplified access to comprehensive mobility and transport data can help Member States make more informed decisions about infrastructure development and transportation planning, creating more efficient and optimised systems.
How will EMDS benefit business?
Market actors can benefit from new business and innovation opportunities to develop innovative transportation services and technologies. Collaboration through simplified data access and sharing facilitates the formation of partnerships and the integration of services into broader mobility ecosystems. Increased data-sharing also improves coordination between private and public actors. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could particularly benefit from this. Additionally, advances in data-sharing can allow private actors to optimise their operations and resource allocation with real-time information, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective operations.
For More Information
Transport data – creating a common European mobility data space (communication) (europa.eu)
