Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2523 of 8 November 2023 on the request for registration, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of the European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ (notified under document C(2023) 7436) (Only the English text is authentic)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the European citizens’ initiative⁽¹⁾, and in particular Article 6(2) and (3) thereof,

Whereas:

1. A request for registration of a European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ was submitted to the Commission on 9 September 2023.

2. The objectives of the initiative are expressed by the organisers as follows: ‘[b]y integrating QR codes at every bus stop, passengers can access real-time data about schedules, routes, delays, and updates; this initiative aims to revolutionize public transportation information accessibility across EU Member States. This readily available information enhances travel experiences, reduces uncertainty, and aligns with the sustainable transportation goals of promoting public transit usage. The initiative contributes to greener cities by encouraging bus travel, reducing congestion and emissions. Aligned with EU Treaties like the digital single market, it integrates modern technology into public services, empowering passengers to make informed decisions. This transparency aligns with EU consumer protection principles, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.’

3. An annex to the initiative provides further details on the subject matter, objectives and background to the initiative. It refers to the ‘need to enhance passenger experience and mobility within the European Union’s public transportation network’ and to ‘improving access to real-time information at bus stops to alleviate uncertainties faced by passengers regarding bus schedules, operational status, delays and alternatives.’ It outlines five objectives: ‘1. Enhanced Passenger Experience’; ‘2. Reduced Uncertainty’; ‘3. Promote Sustainable Mobility’; ‘4. Digital Integration’; ‘5. Transparency and Accessibility’. The organisers consider that the initiative ‘aligns with the EU’s commitment to sustainable mobility, efficient transportation, and technological innovation’ and that it contributes to greener transportation and the Union’s digital agenda.

4. An additional document attached to the initiative with an outline for a draft act has also been submitted by the organisers as part of their registration request.

5. The Commission considers that the objectives of the initiative could, in principle, fall under Article 91(1), point (d), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). According to this provision, the European Parliament and the Council shall, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and after consulting the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, lay down any other appropriate provisions for the purpose of implementing Article 90 TFEU on a common transport policy.

6. For this reason, the Commission considers that none of the parts of the initiative manifestly fall outside the framework of the Commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties.

7. That conclusion does not affect the assessment of whether the concrete substantive conditions required for the Commission to act, including compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity and compatibility with fundamental rights, would be met in this case.

8. The group of organisers has provided appropriate evidence that it fulfils the requirements laid down in Article 5(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/788 and has designated the contact persons in accordance with Article 5(3), first subparagraph, of that Regulation.

9. The initiative is not manifestly abusive, frivolous or vexatious, nor is it manifestly contrary to the values of the Union as set out in Article 2 of the TEU or to the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

10. The initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ should therefore be registered.

11. The conclusion that the conditions for registration under Article 6(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/788 are fulfilled does not imply that the Commission in any way confirms the factual correctness of the content of the initiative, which is the sole responsibility of the group of organisers of the initiative. The content of the initiative only expresses the views of the group of organisers, and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Commission,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: