Recently, about 3,000 cities and towns in several European countries held "European Transport Week". The theme of this year's Transportation Week is "Connecting Better."
The aim of the campaign is to focus on promoting sustainable transport, with the aim of encouraging more people to change the way they travel and choose public transport and clean and smart transport solutions.
As an important supporting activity of "European Transport Week", the Belgian capital Brussels recently held its annual "Car-free Day". On the "Car-free Day", all motor vehicles except those with special passes, as well as buses, taxis, and urban rescue vehicles, will be banned during daylight hours.
Reporters noted that although people were not allowed to drive out, the roads were busier than usual, with many families taking to the roads on bicycles, and some people choosing to skateboard or ride horses instead.
In addition to Brussels, Car-free Days are taking place in more than 50 towns and cities across Belgium. "The Car-Free Day campaign gives us a chance to choose greener, healthier ways to travel and take in the scenery around us. In addition, cycling, running, and so on can improve communication between family and friends, which is very meaningful." Local residents told reporters.
During the "European Transport Week", Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, held City Traffic Day, Road Safety Day, and other activities.
Luxembourg's tourism authorities are offering rent-free bicycles, and the local government has partnered with NGOs to launch a campaign entitled "This is a Journey for Everyone," calling for more people to use public transport and help disabled passengers.
The Dutch city of Amersfoort temporarily closed some of its busy roads to motor vehicles, and the dense traffic on the road disappeared. Music, sports, and other activities were held.
In recent years, some European countries have adopted measures such as improving sustainable transport systems to guide people to green travel.
In August, a regional railway line running hydrogen-powered trains opened in the northern German state of Lower Saxony. The line is about 100 kilometers long and currently has 14 hydrogen-powered passenger trains in service. The city of Paris has turned part of the Champs-Elysees into a pedestrian street every Sunday, banning motor vehicles.
In Belgium's Walloon region, to encourage more people to take public transport, from September 1st young people aged 18-24 and those over 65 will be able to buy an annual pass for unlimited travel for just €12.
Many buses in the Walloon region are equipped with bicycle stands so that people can carry their bikes on the buses, solving the problem of connecting to destinations and bus stops over long distances.
The Spanish government has slashed bus fares by 30 to 50 percent. In addition, short - and medium-haul trains up to 300 kilometers operated by Spain's national rail operator will be free to passengers between September 1 and December 31.
European countries hope to encourage more people to go green and reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the environment through events such as car-free days, cycling festivals, electric car exhibitions, and transport forums.
"Each city has its own characteristics and the best transport scheme is to provide local residents with the best choice for them." Adina Varaine, the European commissioner in charge of transport.
