Many people see transport a merely a way of getting from A to B. It is, however, much, much more. It is a motor for our economy, it is an engine for our communities, it is vehicle for discovery, and it is a driver for technological change.

The European Commission recognised transport’s defining role in our life just this March when it unveiled its long-awaited white paper on a ‘Single European Transport Area’, which aims to promote "a profound shift in transport patterns for passengers" by 2050. The proposals seek to slash Europe’s dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, and tackle climate change by phasing out "conventionally fuelled" cars. Coupled with targets covering road, rail and air travel, this planned transformation of the European transport system could, the Commission says, both boost mobility while cutting congestion and emissions.

We believe the Commission paper kicks off a welcome debate on European transport.

Which is why we are delighted to invite you to join us at the European Transport Forum 2011, on October 18, at the Stanhope Hotel, Rue du Commerce 9, in Brussels.

This year, the European Transport Forum will be organised around two panel debates:

• The first panel will focus on the concrete steps towards pan-European efficient logistics systems. The Commission’s proposal calls for Europe’s cities to be essentially carbon-free by 2030 by bringing together aspects of land planning, rail and river access, business practices, charging and vehicle technology standards. But how much more work is needed on the logistical front to achieve that aim? How can local authorities, city planning organisations, businesses, infrastructure operators, and vehicle manufacturers cooperate to meet their targets? And how can technological innovation help, in particular, intelligent transport systems (ITS)?

• The second panel will look at the longer-term vision of a Single European Transport Area for a sustainable European Union. The Commission’s proposals aim to cut the EU's carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 through fully integrated transportation networks. Under the plan, half of all intercity passenger transport would be by rail or waterways, while more than half of road freight travelling more than 300km should move to rail or boat. But how can the EU ensure that road, rail, air and water transport modes compete and complement each other so that each one plays its role in reducing greenhouse gases? How can co-modality improve transport efficiency and contribution to the EU’s growth and prosperity? Is the distance limit, the 300km rule, the best way to ensure cost efficiency, flexibility, reliability, environmental impact and infrastructure demography?

A number of top policy makers, executives, analysts, interest group leaders have already signed up for the European Transport Forum, the most influential high-level meeting of Europe’s transport professionals.

As the transport agenda grows ever more complex and ambitious, the European Transport Forum has become the crucial arena for debate on the key issues facing the sector.

Join us, and join the conversation at the European Transport Forum, where you can make your voice heard as Europe debates the transport of the future.
Register by sending us a simple  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your contact details.