In 2008-2009, Steer provided the European Commission with a study of passenger transport by coach in Europe based on case studies of eight Member States. Following this, in 2011 Regulation 1073/2009 came into force which outlined a set of common rules for international coach services.
Then in 2014, the Commission engaged us to provide a comprehensive EU-wide study. The purpose of the study was to understand the state of the industry, identifying progress and scope for further liberalisation which would potentially include domestic coach services.
Our project team gathered data on coach operations in all the EU Member States, on the operators of coach services, and on the availability and arrangements for access to coach terminals. We also investigated the scope for Persons with Restricted Mobility (PRM) to use coach services and terminals.
Short reports on the industry in all Member States were prepared, along with more detailed case studies of the effects of liberalisation and the impact on the availability of coach terminal space.
We also contacted 159 stakeholders and sought their views on the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and any problems to be resolved.
Successes and outcomes
Subject to the limitations of the data available on the sector, we compiled a comprehensive statistical overview of the industry.
We identified scope to simplify the regulatory burden of the current regulations, particularly regarding the collection of data which was of little use in the managing of monitoring services. We also identified a need to clarify the definitions of different types of coach service.
Yes, you are in the right place. After 40 years, we have changed our name from Steer Davies Gleave to mark our growing international footprint and our expanding portfolio into sectors beyond transport.
Explore our new website to learn more about Steer: who we are, how we work and what our future holds.