BSEC-URTA Passenger Transport Working Group Calls for Joint Solutions to Regional Mobility Challenges
The BSEC-URTA Passenger Transport Working Group met online on 3 September 2026 with the participation of member associations, sector experts and representatives of regional institutions, including BSEC PERMIS and PABSEC.
The meeting focused on border-crossing delays, professional driver shortages, visa restrictions and digitalisation in international passenger transport.
Mr Emre Ak, representing the TOBB passenger transport sector, presented Türkiye’s U-ETDS – Transport Electronic Tracking and Supervision System. He highlighted the importance of digital systems for recording and monitoring passenger, driver, vehicle and journey data and their potential contribution to international transport.
Mr Iulian Postica shared Moldova’s experience and addressed the impact of EU legislation and international conventions on passenger transport. Participants also received the latest version of the University of Geneva study covering Türkiye, Greece and Serbia, which underlined the importance of protecting small and medium-sized transport operators.
Members emphasised that passenger and freight transport increasingly face common structural challenges. Long border waiting times, driver shortages and visa-related restrictions negatively affect passenger comfort, operational efficiency, tourism and regional connectivity.
The Working Group discussed organizing an International Passenger Transport Conference bringing together public authorities, international organisations, academia and the private sector. The conference will address border crossings, digitalisation, driver shortages, visa procedures, passenger rights and regulatory cooperation.
Another important outcome was the establishment of a dedicated group to examine the impact of the Schengen 90/180-day rule on professional drivers. The group will develop constructive proposals that balance the operational needs of international transport with the EU’s security and migration-management considerations. A possible “Trusted Professional Driver” mechanism will also be evaluated.
BSEC-URTA will continue working under the principle of “Common Solutions for Common Problems” to facilitate border crossings, improve professional driver mobility and support sustainable passenger and freight transport across the wider Black Sea region.
