Multimodality returned to the European Parliament this week as MEP Sophia Kircher hosted a policy discussion examining how air and rail systems can be better aligned to support practical, passenger-centred travel across the Union. Her remarks set out a clear parliamentary expectation that operators must provide full visibility of travel options and cooperate more effectively across modes. “Passengers should be the ones choosing, not the operators”, she said.

Kircher linked the discussion to ongoing legislative work, including the Commission’s forthcoming proposal on a single multimodal ticket and the trilogue negotiations on updated passenger rights. She argued that citizens expect mobility that is faster, easier and more consistent across borders and stressed that missed connections and delays must be met with clear information rather than uncertainty. She also drew on her experience from the Austrian region of Tirol to underline the relevance of rail freight and the need for infrastructure that supports uninterrupted connections from local stations to international airports. “Connections must be smooth, reliable and accessible”, she said.

The meeting brought SESAR and Europe’s Rail joint undertakings into direct exchange with legislators. Presenting their research in Parliament placed ongoing work on digital ticketing, data access and multimodal coordination against an active regulatory backdrop. For the projects involved, it was an opportunity to demonstrate how their findings may inform files currently advancing through the institutions.