The rapid advancement of Internet technology has profoundly influenced various aspects of both production and daily life, notably transforming the way people travel.

After nearly a decade of development, the mobile travel industry has entered a new stage, subtly altering the travel patterns of urban residents.

Moreover, in the post-pandemic era, the relaxation of public transportation restrictions has widened the array of travel options available to the public.

However, concerns over epidemic prevention measures on buses or subways, coupled with the discomfort of crowded spaces in enclosed environments, have prompted many citizens to seek more convenient modes of transportation.

Transportation currently accounts for approximately a quarter of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that continues to rise. In a bid to curtail carbon emissions from the transportation sector by 90% by 2050, the EU has set ambitious emission reduction targets for land, sea, and air transport.

By 2030, the EU aims to have at least 30 million zero-emission cars and 80,000 zero-emission trucks operational on European roads. Furthermore, zero-emission ships are set to enter the market, followed by zero-emission large planes by 2035. Ultimately, the EU envisions that nearly all cars, lorries, buses, and new heavy-duty vehicles will be emissions-free by 2050.

The Sustainable and Intelligent Mobility Strategy, recently published by the EU, advocates for carbon neutrality for trips spanning up to 500 kilometers. This entails a shift towards rail travel as the primary mode of transportation due to its lower carbon footprint compared to aviation.

The European Commission intends to unveil an action plan in 2021 aimed at bolstering long-distance and cross-border passenger rail services. The overarching goal is to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and subsequently double rail freight traffic by 2050.

Presently, the majority of inland freight in Europe is transported via road, exacerbating traffic congestion and air pollution. To address this, the EU proposes a significant modal shift, aiming to transition 75% of inland freight traffic to rail and inland water transport. By 2050, the goal is to have 95% of passenger services and nearly 90% of freight trains electrified.

In terms of shipping, the EU envisions a future with zero air and water pollution, facilitated by the establishment of clean ports and emission control zones. The integration of inland waterways and rail transportation into a cohesive network is also part of the plan.

Similarly, for the aviation industry, the EU plans to construct zero-emission airports and reduce the issuance of free carbon emission allowances to airlines.

Addressing the "last mile" issue, the EU intends to expand and enhance cycling infrastructure while promoting walking as a viable mode of transportation.

Anne Stave, head of strategic activities at the European Union for Health and the Environment, emphasizes the importance of promoting bicycles and walking to reduce carbon emissions, air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion, while also fostering healthy mobility.

Furthermore, the digitization and automation of the transport sector offer significant efficiency, safety, and sustainability improvements. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and information and communication technology (ICT), the EU aims to create an environment conducive to the development of new technologies and services.

The Sustainable and Intelligent Mobility Strategy envisions the use of digital technologies to establish an interconnected and shared online e-ticketing system.

In addition, paperless transportation of goods is proposed, alongside the creation of a fully operational trans-European intermodal transport network to facilitate seamless rail, air, road, and sea intermodal transport.

The EU also plans to adopt a flexible ticketing mechanism starting in 2021, progressing towards a one-stop e-ticketing system by 2030 to streamline cross-border ticketing services.