23rd Conference of the European Passengers’ Federation
5-6 June 2026
EPF Conference 2026: Connecting Europeans
Maastricht: Heart of the European Passenger
The 23rd Conference of EPF is set to take place in Maastricht, the Netherlands on 5–6 June, 2026 at the ‘Gouvernement aan de Maas’ building (Provincial House of Limburg). This annual event, this year organised by EPF member organisation Reizigersvereniging Rover, promises to be a dynamic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore and discuss pressing issues and innovations in passenger mobility.
This year’s conference will feature a comprehensive programme centred around the themes below:
- Urban and regional mobility: Green, clean and liveable cities
- Cross-border mobility: Euregio Meuse-Rhine
- Doubling international rail passengers by 2030/2035: A sustainable and affordable alternative for long-distance travellers
- Ticketing and passengers’ rights
- Structural funding for sustainable mobility
A highlight will be the signing of the Maastricht Manifesto on the closing day. The manifesto, currently being drafted by EPF, European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), European Disability Forum (EDF), and European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), calls for more structural funding for sustainable mobility at local, regional, cross-border and international levels, and we invite other organisations to join the initiative as co-signatories.
Confirmed speakers already include: Oana Gherghinescu (executive director of European Union Agency for Railways, ERA), Wouter Koolmees (CEO of Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS), Josef Doppelbauer (chairman of the new Sector Delivery Group (SDG) of the Platform on International Rail Passenger Transport, IRP), Gunta Anca (Vice-President of the European Disability Forum, EDF), Henk Swarttouw (president European Cyclists’ Federation, ECF), Elisabeth Kotthaus (Head of Unit, DG MOVE), Jon Worth (independent railway commentator), Chiara Tomasi (head government relations Trainline), Elmer van Buuren (president ALLRAIL), Alberto Mazzola (executive director of CER) with Marc Maartens as our moderator.
Venue: Provincial House Limburg in Maastricht
Gouvernement aan de Maas
Limburglaan 10
6229 GA Maastricht
Registration: register via the tab ”registration” by filling out the registration form. aa
Sponsors of EPF'26 Conference
About Rover
Rover is the Dutch travellers’ association and the voice of everyone who uses public transport and shared mobility. Since 1971, Rover has represented the interests of passengers and worked to make sustainable travel the natural first choice. With deep insight into the daily travel experience—from stations and buses to cycling routes and first- and last-mile connections—Rover brings travellers’ needs directly to transport operators, governments, and the media.
As an independent membership organisation, Rover combines the experience of thousands of travellers with professional advocacy and policy expertise. The organisation works closely with national and regional authorities as well as mobility providers to improve timetables, fares, accessibility, travel information, and new shared mobility services. Rover’s mission is to help build an affordable, reliable, and climate-friendly transport system in which the traveller is truly at the centre.
About EPF
The European Passengers’ Federation links all major passenger organisations throughout Europe and represents the interests of public transport users at the European level. EPF is an international non-profit association under Belgian law. Each member organisation appoints a delegate who is responsible for the contacts between his/her association and the federation. All delegates are invited to attend the meetings of the Administrative Council and the General Meeting.
EPF is committed to improving standards on public transport, achieving comprehensive passenger rights throughout Europe and promoting effective and seamless multi-modal travel – by conducting research, publishing reports, organising conferences and working constructively with transport operators and decision makers.