STA Newsletter
STA in Action - # Q3-2026
A quarterly online journal providing news and background about activities undertaken by STA with a view to improving the methods, technologies and standards associated to transportation infrastructures.
Join us to discuss the evidence Europe needs before deciding where to invest next!
As the EU prepares its 2028–2034 investment framework, the forthcoming 2026 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards will examine the health of European transport systems, share the latest expert evidence, and debate how to turn ambitious policy goals into stronger projects and better outcomes.
On 19 November 2026, the 11th STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards will take place online, bringing together perspectives from European institutions, academia and industry to explore these questions through the latest evidence and expert insights.
Under the theme “From Vision to Projects: Expert Insights to Shape EU Transport Investments in 2028–2034”, discover how EU transport investments can achieve greater value for money, where Europe's transport systems stand today according to the Expert Perception Tracker findings, and where your country ranks in the 2026 Transport Sector Health Index. The conference will conclude with the 2026 Innovation Awards Ceremony, honouring outstanding innovators.
Expert Perception Tracker 3/2026 Highlights the Need to Build on What We Already Have
New findings highlight the importance of making better use of existing infrastructure while advancing sustainability.
Transport experts are highlighting the importance of better maintenance and renewal of existing assets in Europe's transition towards more sustainable transport systems, according to the 3/2026 STA Expert Perception Tracker.
Gathering views from over 101 transport professionals across 21 countries, the 3/2026 edition highlights a clear message: sustainability requires a balanced approach, combining environmental, economic and social considerations. Indeed, 74.3% of experts believe these three dimensions should be given equal importance, while 77.2% see potential in AI-supported modelling tools to contribute to more sustainable transport infrastructure. However, greater evidence is still needed to build trust in their sustainability benefits.
Ultimately, the findings underline that a sustainable transport future starts not only with new infrastructure and technologies, but also with maintaining and renewing the assets we already have.
STA Publications Now Available Through the German National Library of Science and Technology
A new collaboration with TIB makes STA's technical knowledge more accessible to the scientific and professional community.
STA is pleased to announce that its technical reports and discussion papers are now available through the German National Library of Science and Technology (TIB), one of the world's largest specialist libraries for science and technology.
Through TIB's library portal, all STA's technical reports and discussion papers published throughout its lifetime, will be permanently and freely accessible to researchers, practitioners and other professionals.
The collaboration enhances the visibility and accessibility of STA's research and knowledge outputs, making them easier to discover for the wider transport community.
Discover STA Through Our New Corporate Video
Watch our new video and discover STA, its community and the initiatives shaping smarter transport infrastructures.
Our new corporate video offers a concise introduction to STA's vision, mission, Technical Committees and key initiatives, including the Expert Perception Tracker and 2026 Transport Sector Health Index. It also highlights the involvement of STA Members in research, innovation projects and collaborations across Europe.
Whether you are already part of the STA community or discovering us for the first time, learn what drives our work.
“Stop asking citizens to make a sacrifice for sustainability. Make the sustainable choice the obvious choice-reliable, accessible, seamless and convenient.”
NEWS OF INTEREST
EU Commission Advances Electrification and Decarbonisation Plans
New measures aim to accelerate electrification, strengthen competitiveness and support Europe's clean transition.
The European Commission has presented an Electrification Action Plan and proposed a review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to accelerate Europe's shift towards cleaner energy and strengthen its competitiveness and energy independence.
The measures focus on accelerating electrification across key sectors, including transport, while mobilising investment in clean technologies, infrastructure and industrial decarbonisation. The Commission also proposes strengthening the role of the ETS as an investment driver, with new measures aimed at supporting innovation and the clean transition.
Coach Tourism: Europe's Overlooked Sustainability Success Story
Why coaches deserve a stronger role in Europe's sustainable tourism future.
As Europe prepares its EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, coach transport offers an often-overlooked contribution to a greener, more inclusive and resilient tourism model. By connecting major transport hubs with cities, rural areas and destinations across Europe, coaches can help spread tourism more evenly, support local economies and provide affordable travel.
The forthcoming strategy presents an opportunity to recognise coach tourism as an important part of a more connected and sustainable European tourism system.
