Deputy Minister Sechter in his speech pointed out that due to global coronavirus pandemic, the transport sector is facing serious challenges. While the situation continues to be fragile, new opportunities emerge that could see a sector transformation into stronger, sustainable, greener and more inclusive transport networks. Due to decrease in economic activities and lockdowns, reduced urban transport, both public and private, has contributed to unprecedented decrease in carbon emissions and levels of air pollution in urban agglomerations. A post-COVID-19 cities could see a permanently lower demand for public transport due to a combination of enduring economic crisis and changing work habits.　

The transport sector benefits from unique interaction of mobility, connectivity, land use, economic development, public health and the climate crisis. An important lesson from the pandemic is that large-scale behavioural pattern shifts may happen suddenly. Transport policymakers were left unprepared, as their models did not anticipate a world of social distancing and massive home office work. Even when lockdowns are lifted, due to fears of spread of the virus in crowded areas, many will not choose to return to their pre-pandemic habits, including shared vehicles or public transport. Cycling, including electric bicycles, electric scooters and shared bicycles, could benefit from changes in infrastructure implemented for strengthening public health and safety.　

The Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) addresses key challenges to achieve sustainable transport patterns. It encourages governments, at national and local levels, to pursue an integrated approach to policymaking and to put sustainable mobility at the top of the international agenda. THE PEP comprises, inter alia, activities related to sustainable urban transport, health impacts of transport, cycling and walking as feasible non-motorised transport modes for urban areas, the Clearing House project, and consideration of institutional arrangements for policy integration. Ministerial meetings are held every five years. This year's ministerial is hosted by Vienna. More information: https://thepep.unece.org/events/fifth-high-level-meeting-transport-health-and-environment-0

Deputy Minister of Transport Jan Sechter