Greenhouse gas emissions across EU drop slightly in 2016

Greenhouse gas emissions across the European Union decreased modestly in 2016, according to estimates published in the latest climate ‘trends and projections’ assessments released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Sustainable Cities Mobility Index 2017

A world ranking that analyzed urban transport patterns of 100 cities around the world and indicated the state of implementation of sustainable urban mobility systems. This is the study "Sustainable Cities Mobility Index 2017", prepared by the Center for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) for Arcadis (a global design, engineering and management consulting company based in Amsterdam).

Public consultation for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS)

DG MOVE, the Commission department responsible for mobility and transport, recently published aconsultation for C-ITS which –will be open till 5 January 2018.

Today, vehicles are connected devices with plenty of applications (journey planners, travel information services, automatic 112 calls, advanced cruise control etc.) and in the near future they may interact with each other and with traffic managers. This interaction is the domain of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). For this reason, the publication is open to transport operators, drivers, manufacturers, C-ITS system providers, public administrations and citizens.

The questionnaire is available in most EU languages.

Take part here!

New transport projects launched in Tallinn

European Commissioner for Transport and Mobility Violeta Bulc launched 15 projects co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility programme (CEF) at the Digital Transport Days in Tallinn last week. The projects are expected to develop digital solutions and upgrade the European rail, road, maritime and air transport network. These projects were selected for funding via a competitive call for proposals that will in total invest €2.7 billion in 152 key transport projects across the EU.

National Strategic Transport Plan in course of implementation from the Greek Ministry

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is already processing the National Strategic Transport Plan of Greece which is a project funded by Community resources and it is implemented under the financial management of the European Investment Bank. It is expected to be completed by March 2017.

The National Strategic Transport Plan refers to the analysis of the entire transport sector (road, rail, air and maritime transportation) through the collection of the appropriate data taking into account environmental and social-politic factors. In addition, it includes the development of the necessary supportive tools for planning and decision making (traffic system models, cost-benefit analysis model and web database). The National Transport Plan will facilitate the definition and will set the grounds for future policies and investments in the transport sector.

National Strategic Transport Plan information can be found here and here

Czech Railway Infrastructure Administration plans to repair almost 400 railway stations in the next five years for CZK 8.4 billion

More than one hundred railway stations undergo construction works each year, the Czech Railway Infrastructure Administration (SŽDC) will spend approximately CZK 8.4 billion in total for repairs between 2017 and 2022. "In the coming years, the amount for larger construction projects will continue to increase. Modernization of the Prague Central Station, the České Budějovice and the main railway station in Plzeň or Pardubice are being prepared", SŽDC CEO Pavel Surý says. Overall, in five years SŽDC plans to repair nearly 400 railway stations and 160 completely revitalize, spending about CZK 8.4 billion.

Global Mobility Report 2017

The Global Mobility Report 2017 evaluates the progress made worldwide in the four areas of universal access, efficiency, safety, and green mobility. The transport sector is, according to the report, still dominated by high fossil fuel use, plagued by pollution & GHG emissions, high numbers of road fatalities and lacks behind in digitization.

Transport days @ 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23)

The preparations for the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), from November 6-17, 2017 are well under way, and are equipped to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate challenges and solutions to the most influential stakeholders in climate action.

Methodological guidelines by TRAM

The TRAM project just published the Methodological Guidelines with the purpose to identify accumulated practice within the three thematic areas of sustainable urban mobility:

Horizon 2020 Transport Info day

The info day will take place in the morning of 13 December 2017 in Brussels. It will address potential applicants to the Horizon 2020 'Smart, green and integrated transport' calls for funding under the 2018-2020 Horizon 2020 Work Program, with the focus on funding opportunities in 2018.

​Presentations will cover various transport topics of the new Horizon 2020 Work Program, as well as provide detailed information on the selection process and on the upcoming calls for funding.

​For registrations here

​For more information click here

EU Transport in figures: Statistical Pocketbook 2017 published

The Statistical Pocketbook for 2017 has just been published. The publication provides an overview of the most recent and most pertinent annual transport-related statistics in Europe. It covers the European Union and its 28 Member States and, as far as possible, the current EU candidate countries and the EFTA countries.

Few more weeks for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Award

The Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Award recognizes local authorities that have developed a Mobility Plan that satisfies the diverse transport needs of people and businesses, whilst improving quality of life. Each year, the award highlights a different aspect of mobility planning. The theme of the 6th SUMP Award is: Shared mobility in sustainable urban mobility planning.

Urban European Initiative: urban mobility projects

After a competitive process that saw 206 proposals submitted in April 2017 from across 21 EU Member States, 16 urban authorities will have the opportunity to experiment bold and innovative solutions to tackle the challenges linked to the circular economy, the integration of migrants and refugees and urban mobility.

IT-TRANS 2018: Smart travelers in smart systems

The conference IT-TRANS 2018 on the exchange and advancement of IT solutions in public transport focuses on “smart travellers in smart systems”, with the concept of an integrated urban mobility system at the centre of discussion. It takes place from 6-8 March 2018 in Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, in Germany.

CIVITAS Awards 2017 winners revealed

The CIVITAS Awards 2017 were given out in front of a large audience during the second day of the CIVITAS Forum 2017, which took place from 27-29 September in Torres Vedras, Portugal.

New era for Athens urban transportation

The “Automatic System for Ticket Validation” of OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization) is functioning properly and the electronic tickets and cards for STASY network (Urban Rail Transports S.A) are being gradually published without problems.

​The new “smart tickets” of OASA consist of the electronic ticket (ΑΤΗ.ΕΝΑ Ticket) and the non-personalized and the personalized electronic card (non-personalized and the personalized ATH.ENA Card).  The ΑΤΗ.ΕΝΑ CARD is a credit-card size rechargeable plastic card that passengers can charge with several kinds of fare depending on their needs and the fee they want to spend. The multiple ΑΤΗ.ΕΝΑ Ticket is a rechargeable ticket that is aimed at passengers who want to use occasionally or for limited time the public transport.

​For the current transition period, the electronic and the paper tickets and cards will coexist, while the inclusion of all kinds of ticketing in the new system will take place over time so the passengers will have the necessary time to be acknowledged with the new capabilities and benefits that may offer.

​For more information click here

Intelligent Transport: Guidance towards cooperative, connected and automated mobility in the EU

Following an invitation of the European Commission, industry representatives and public authorities have agreed on a further developed shared vision on the interoperable deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) towards cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) in the European Union.

​Today's report follows on from the C-ITS Platform Phase I report from January 2016 and addresses the common technical and legal framework necessary for the deployment of C-ITS and also takes the needs and possibilities of higher levels of automation into consideration. 

​The outcomes of the second phase of the C-ITS platform also form an essential input for the ongoing preparation of specifications for the provision of cooperative intelligent transport systems.

​For more information click here

A network of charging stations for low-emission vehicles will be created in the Czech Republic

A total of nearly € 45 million is being prepared for the construction of 500 quick and 800 standard recharging stations.

​At the beginning of August, the European Commission approved the allocation of almost € 45 million for the construction of recharging and refuelling points for low-emission vehicles. State support should be used over the next six years to build a network of stations for vehicles powered by electricity, CNG, LNG, hydrogen or other environmentally friendly alternative fuels. The network of stations should grow throughout the entire Czech Republic.

Empowering smart solutions for better cities

The conference Empowering smart solutions for better cities, taking place in Budapest on 2 & 3 October 2017, will bring together creative thinkers and decision-makers in urban planning, sustainable energy, mobility, ICT, smart business models and user-centric innovation. High level city representatives will debate the transformation of European cities, while smart cities projects will showcase innovative solutions and discuss crucial steps on the path to a smarter city.

This smart cities conference, organised by the Smart Cities Information System (SCIS) and the European Commission, is seeking to encourage the replication of technological solutions, good practices and lesson learning among cities and businesses. It will contribute to the ambition of accelerating Europe’s transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, competitive and inclusive economy. Interactively designed, the event will engage the audience in full participation and collective story-telling.

​For more information click here

Launch of TRIMIS, new tool to analyse transport innovation

The European Commission has launched an online tool to help analyse the effectiveness of transport innovation in delivering the EU’s energy and transport strategy

The Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System, or TRIMIS, maps and analyses research trends and innovation capacities across Europe's transport sector. It is implemented by the JRC on behalf of Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. TRIMIS supports transport policy makers and researchers by helping to identify innovations with the greatest promise for the future, and aid policy makers to focus on areas where public intervention can create the highest added value.

European Commission service offers support to sustainable urban mobility projects

Are you a European public organisation (city, region) or a company who is planning to invest in sustainable urban mobility? Then a new service from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport could provide you with the support you need.

​On behalf of the the European Commission, the Joint Institute for Innovation Policy and The Extremely Useful Company will help you to:

• ​Assess the investment readiness of your project;
• Identify investment opportunities;
• Connect project partners with investors and financiers.

EMISIA, GYM partner, supports POLIS 2017 conference: Innovation in Transport

The annual event of the leading European network of cities and regions on transport innovation, which is POLIS 2017 conference  ‘Transport innovation for sustainable cities and regions’, takes place on 6 and 7 December in Brussels. EMISIA SA is one of the main conference partners who support POLIS conference.

​The draft programme of the conference has been released here, while the registration is open here. The sessions of the conference concentrate on the topics of:

• ​Environment and health in transport
• Mobility and traffic efficiency
• Road safety and security
• ​Social and economic challenges of transport.

​For more information click here

Municipality of Kifissia member of CIVITAS network

The Municipality of Kifissia is now officially a member of the CIVITAS European Cities Network, after the relevant approval. The Civitas Destinations (Civitas Destinations) is of special interest to the Municipality of Kifissia. The project develops an integrated approach to tackling mobility and tourism by looking at balanced strategies to address the growing challenges of these two developing sectors, and to achieve sustainable growth and better quality of life in Funchal, Limassol, Rethymno, Elba, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Valletta.

Successful school mobility management practices – CIVITAS study visits

The city of Reggio Emilia (Italy) has developed a comprehensive approach to school mobility management. Since 2003, mobility education for students has been regarded as one of the main driving lines of mobility policies and in 2009, Reggio Emilia developed and promoted a manifesto for safe, sustainable and independent mobility on home-to-school routes. This was done with the support of city districts, school boards and managers and a broad range of stakeholder organisations.

The city organizes a CIVITAS study visit on 11-12 October and all interested parties can get involved. Over two days, the visiting cities will learn about Reggio Emilia’s approach to school mobility management; interesting projects like the Bicibus and Pedibus initiatives; and the EU project SCHOOL CHANCE. They will also gain first-hand experience of some of the initiatives being implemented through dedicated site visits.

For more information click here

SUMPs-Up learning activities starting in September and October

The SUMP Learning Programme (SLP) comprises a series of activities to equip planning authorities in European cities with the skills and knowledge they need to develop and implement Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). Its activities are grounded in the concepts of peer-to-peer exchange, collaboration, and knowledge transfer.

​All participating cities receive funding and engage in learning activities that afford them the opportunity to test and apply SUMP approaches, tools, and methodologies under 'real conditions'. SLP 1 and 2 focus on tools and services for initiating a SUMP, with SLP2 tailored to small- and medium-sized cities.

Urban mobility: Riga develops its tram network with EU financial support

Over €65.5 million from the Cohesion Fund is invested in tram infrastructure development in the Latvian capital, in line with the objectives of the Energy Union's low-emission mobility strategy.

​Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: "The EU invests for a better quality of life in Riga, with a modern and clean public transport system. Traffic will be smoother, air quality will be better and residents and tourists alike will enjoy a fast ride through the city."  The tram line will directly connect the fast-growing neighbourhood of Skanste, near the city centre, to the main transport hubs in Riga – the central railway station, the coach terminal and the Freeport. In addition to rebuilt or new tram line infrastructure, the EU will co-finance the purchase of 12 tramcars to ensure a minimum service frequency of one car every 10 minutes.  

​For more information click here

Green Fund, Greece

The Green Fund, in the framework of financing greek beneficiaries implementing LIFE projects, on 23/07/2017 took the decision to co-finance GreenYourMove project with the amount of 25.000 Euro.

For more information click here

31 million increase in public transport journeys in Ireland

The number of journeys on subsidized public transport and commercial bus services has increased by almost 31 million since 2013, according to figures released by the National Transport Authority of Ireland.

​In 2013, there were 210 million passengers on subsidised Public Service Obligation (PSO) services, while in 2016, that number went up to 236 million.

​“The figures we are publishing today are an indication that there is a clear demand for an efficient and reliable public transport service,” said Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority.

​For more information click here

European Green Capital competitions

Local governments across Europe are invited to apply for the European Commission’s European Green Capital Award 2020 and the European Green Leaf Awards 2019. The closing date for applications is 18 October 2017.

​For the first time, winners will receive benefit from financial support for their environmental programmes  and initiatives. The winner of the European Green Capital Award  - open to cities with over 100,000 inhabitants  -  will receive €350,000, whilst the European Green Leaf Award winner will gain €75,000. The Green Leaf Award is for is for smaller cities and towns with 20,000-100,000 inhabitants.

​EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Mr Karmenu Vella said that: “The European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards are becoming increasingly important as we strive to manage our cities and towns against the challenges of population growth, pressure on resources and our responsibilities to manage climate change. European Green Capitals and Green Leafs provide vital inspiration and motivation to help other cities find solutions, on both a European and a global stage.”

​For more information click here

Funds for CIVITAS National Networks (CIVINETs)

CIVINET is a group of city networks that promote the CIVITAS approach at a local level, overcoming language and contextual barriers for local authorities and organisations interested in urban sustainable mobility. Members exchange information in their own language working together to engage with the European Union and national governments, about transport policy issues, legislation, regulations, and funding.

How a transport plan in London is tackling public health issues (UK)

In response to public health challenges facing the city, London introduced a Transport Action Plan in 2014.  Developed by a Public Health Consultant working in Transport for London (TfL), the city's transport authority, it outlines transport-related measures for improving the health of Londoners. The Plan sets out 10 action points related to TfL's 'business as usual' processes that, if undertaken, should help TfL respond to public health challenges. The Healthy Streets Approach contained within the Plan is crucial: this seeks to increase active mobility levels and in turn reduce the incidence of diseases and conditions linked to or exacerbated by physical inactivity, such as Type 2 Diabetes. The Plan was first adopted in 2014 and is being implemented until the end of 2017.

5 years of dispatcher workplace of Prague Integrated Transport

The dispatcher workplace of Prague Integrated Transport has been in operation since June 2012. Its operator is a contributory organization of City of Prague ROPID (Regional Manager of Prague Integrated Transport).

The main task of the dispatching centre is to monitor the operation of the routes of the carriers involved in the Prague Integrated Transport System (PID), to supervise the adherence to the timetables and to ensure the mutual guaranteed connections so that the passengers get where they need and on time.

Seven dispatchers in two shifts track more than 2,600 vehicles of nineteen transport companies. In addition to (over a thousand) buses, there are also trains and ferries.

Suburban Railway of Athens: First studies on the extensions to the city of Lavrio and Rafina

By a letter from the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Infrastructure to OSE, ERGOSE and EYDE / KESP PE & BE, ​​a committee of nine members was asked to complete the rigorous procedures for the extension of the Suburban Railway to Lavrio (Koropi-Lavrion) and Rafina (Airport-Rafina).

From the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport document, which appears to be definitively blocked, is that Rafina will be connected by rail to the airport and is an easier technical project with fewer expropriations and will cover the areas of Spata, Porto-Rafti, reaching the harbor of Rafina, which this year is expected to exceed 2 million passengers.

But we are talking about projects that take time in front of them to mature, and at best, even if they find funding sources, they are unlikely to start before 2020.

For more information click here.

Slovenia's first Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan on a small scale: Ljutomer

Ljutomer a town with 3,300 inhabitants, was the first place in Slovenia to prepare a pilot Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan(SUMP) on a 'small' scale. The municipality of the same name encouraged Ljutomer to place an emphasis on sustainable mobility and strive for a role as one of the leading municipalities in the field. It’s located on flat terrain.

Its small size, undemanding topography, and mild climate mean walking and cycling are theoretically possible almost all year round. The whole town can be crossed on foot in under half an hour, whilst other bigger towns in the municipality can be reached within 15 minutes on a bike.

Ljutomer's pilot SUMP was approved in 2012. Ljutomer's SUMP was developed as a pilot for small towns and cities within a wider national project that focused on sustainable urban mobility planning. The municipality acted as a role model for several other Slovenian municipalities who prepared their first SUMP for a national tender in 2016 and 2017.

Ljutomer's second-generation SUMP was submitted as part of the same tender. Its preparation saw the adoption of a more sustainable approach to transport planning that placed the existing, more traditional approach in a wider context.

For more information : click here.

Cohesion Policy invests for a safer and faster mobility in Romania

Over € 336 million has been invested in the construction of the section between the cities of Dumbrava and Deva on the Lugoj-Deva highway as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Travel time between the two cities will be reduced by one third for motorists. Approximately € 62 million will then help to refurbish part of the national road 6 between the cities of Alexandria and Craiova in the southwest of the country. This will improve road safety and reduce journey time by three-quarters of an hour.

For more information : click here.

Wielkopolska Transformation In Transportation

The public transport network in the Wielkopolska region of Poland is set to receive massive investment, with a substantial part of funding coming from the EU. The main beneficiaries will be the cities of Konin and Leszno and the areas surrounding them.

​Konin will buy eight low-emission buses, build 8.4 km of bicycle lanes, create bike and ride interchanges with public transport stops, and put up electronic information boards. In seven municipalities surrounding the city, 23.6 km of bicycle routes will be built and 7 new interchange points constructed.

​In Leszno, 8 new buses will be added to the city’s fleet. The city’s transport operator will also introduce a city travel card and rebuild an existing and build a new bus depot.

Read more :  here.

4th Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility

This year’s conference of sustainable urban mobility is organized in Skiathos island on 24-25 May 2018 by the University of Thessaly, Department of Civil Engineering, Traffic, Transportation and Logistics Laboratory.

​The theme of this year’s Conference is: Data Analytics: Paving the way to sustainable urban mobility.

The main aim of the Conference is the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of good practices among researchers and practitioners in the domain of urban transportation.

The thematic areas of the conference are:

• ​Data-driven infrastructure management
• Transport data and analytics
• Big data and transport modelling
• Big data in transport system optimization
• Social networks and traveller behavior
• Traffic emissions and environmental impacts
• Public transport and demand responsive systems
• City logistics systems
• Application of big data technologies in transport
• Data security and legal issues

Apply here.

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of Prato, Italy

Prato, with a population of 191,000 inhabitants and a density of about 2,000 inh /km2, is Tuscany's second largest city; it lies 15 km north-west of Florence, in the center of a densely populated and highly industrialized plain.

Prato’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan has been the first drawn- up and  approved sustainable urban mobility plan in Tuscany and one of the first in Italy. Prato’s Sustainable and Urban Mobility Plan took as reference methodology the EU guidelines. It outlines the vision of mobility in the city for the next decade.

​Prato’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan has been recently approved and first actions are currently under implementation. However, the ex-ante assessment of the Plan forecasted the range of effects that are (by 2025): - a 20% decrease in overall distance covered by private vehicle. The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan process has been widely based on citizen, association and stakeholder. Over 1,500 people participated and answered to the on- line survey aiming to detail urban and regional mobility demand.

​For more information: click here.

EU greenhouse gas emissions from transport increased in 2015

Total European Union greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.5 % in 2015, according to new European Environment Agency (EEA) data published on the 1st of June. Transport was a key reason for that increase: better fuel efficiency in that sector was not enough to counter the effects of an increasing demand for transport.

The EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2015 for the first time since 2010. Higher emissions were caused mainly by increasing road transport, both passenger and freight, and slightly colder winter conditions in Europe, compared to 2014, leading to higher demand for heating.

Take part in CIPTEC survey for the future of public Transport sector

Would you like to have a word for the future of the Public Transport sector and improve the quality of life in cities?

CIPTEC (Collective Innovation for Public Transport in European Cities, 2015-2018) project asks from the public to contribute (10 minutes survey) to fill in anonymously the evaluation questionnaire, regarding promising and innovative ideas, concepts and services that could improve the travel experience by Public Transport in European Cities.

The survey is part of CIPTEC, a research project funded by the European Commission through Horizon 2020 Programme. It addresses the challenge for smart, green, and integrated transport. CIPTEC aims at contributing towards the creation of a favourable environment for the growth of Public Transport across Europe.

For more information: click here.

Luxembourg starts operation of all-electric buses

The first commercially manufactured all-electric Volvo buses have started operating in the city of Differdange in Luxembourg. The buses, named the Volvo 7900 Electric, can carry 85 passengers and are 12-metres long with low floors and three doors. They have 80% lower energy consumption than a comparable diesel bus, are silent, exhaust emission-free and are equipped with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries.

Differdange’s focus on electrically powered buses is part of the city’s ambitious sustainability drive, with public transport forming a crucial focus area. The four electric buses are used on four routes with lengths from 8km to 9.5km. Each bus is driven approximately 25 minutes and then the buses’ batteries are fast-charged in three to six minutes at the end stations using an open interface known as OppCharge (opportunity charging), which follows the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) recommendations.

For more information: click here.

Digitilisation is changing public transport

Digital technologies have the potential to deliver a revolutionary impact on the public transport sector. UITP’s (International Association of Public Transport) new report Digitalisation in public transport explores the impact of this trend in public transport, outlining the opportunities it brings as well as the challenges faced.

Digitalisation brings a host of opportunities for the public transport sector, including opportunities to increase efficiency and improve quality, lower costs, open up new revenue streams, improve the customer experience and loyalty, and explore new services, with new concepts like ‘mobility as a service’ (MaaS) and new emerging technologies like driverless cars. However, digitilisation also brings a number of significant challenges which must be faced. As digitalisation creeps into every aspect of the public transport business, clarifying where and how digitalisation is affecting the sector is a complex exercise. UITP has identified some key issues:

Europe on the Move: Actions and initiatives of the Commission for clean, competitive and connected mobility that affects everyone

Mobility has a major influence on the daily lives of European citizens and directly employs more than 11 million people. The European Commission adopts a long-term strategy for a fundamental modernisation of European mobility and transport up to 2025. The aim is to help the sector to stay competitive in a socially fair transition towards clean energy, zero emissions and digitalisation.

"Europe on the Move" consists of:

• A first series of 8 legislative initiatives specifically targeting road transport. This sector is of particular importance as it directly employs 5 million Europeans, while contributing to almost a fifth of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. The proposals will improve the functioning of the road haulage market and help improve workers' social and employment conditions.
• The Commission also intends to promote seamless mobility solutions so that citizens and businesses can travel easily across Europe. For instance, interoperability between tolling systems will enable road users to drive throughout the EU without having to be concerned by different administrative formalities. Common specifications for public transport data will also allow passengers to better plan their journey and follow the best route even if it crosses a border.
• The EU will drive this transition through targeted legislation and supporting measures, including infrastructure investment, research and innovation.

Integrated Public Transport Optimisation and Planning in Denmark

IPTOP (Integrated Public Transport Optimisation and Planning) project will develop innovative methods for transport service design and supervision that take advantage of previously unavailable traveller data. The practical goals of IPTOP are a balanced improvement in the traveller experience and operating efficiencies, and a consequent increase in public transport market share and progress in the response to climate change.

IPTOP asserts that recent advances in the field of analytics (databases, analysis tools) and new traveller data sources (due to new fare collection technologies) provide an opportunity for a completely fresh and new application of mathematical optimisation at a very large scale. In the past, narrow, localized optimization techniques have demonstrated benefits of 3-16%, according to the scenario and performance indicator used. IPTOP seeks even greater benefits from an integrated, large scale analysis of the transport network.

Intelligent Transport 2017

Taking place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London on 31 October 2017, this one-day conference offers a chance for transport professionals to hear the latest developments in the industry.

​This event will be made up of 4 streams; Harnessing Passenger Data, Mobility as a Service, Smart Ticketing and Payments and Real-Time Passenger Information. Attendees will include; Local Authorities, Passenger Transport Executives, Transport Operators, RTPI Consultants, Systems Suppliers and anyone with an interest in the industry.

​The event, organized by EuroTransport, offers discussions, debates, education and high end networking. Learn from the experts, speak to the people in the know, network with peers & colleagues and ultimately open up new revenue streams.

​For more information: click here.

CIVITAS Awards 2017: applications are now open!

The CIVITAS Awards are an opportunity to highlight the most ambitious, innovative and successful efforts in the field of sustainable urban mobility. Winners are showcased as examples of excellence before the press with the hope that they can guide and stimulate cities throughout Europe in the pursuit of sustainable mobility.

• This year, outstanding CIVITAS Forum member cities can apply to be considered for the following four prestigious titles:
• The "Bold Measure" Award for a daring and innovative approach that has not been widely implemented yet and positions the city as pioneer in certain thematic categories;
• The “Take Up” Award for innovative sustainable urban mobility measures that have been successfully transferred from one city to another;
• The “CIVITAS Legacy” Award for a city that has successfully translated their inspiring and committed involvement in CIVITAS into long-term implementation of innovative measures with a high impact;
• The “Transformations” Award for significant transformation and progress towards a liveable and smarter city through an integrated set of mobility measures.

This call closes on 14th July 2017, while the results will be published in September 2017.

​For more information: click here.

Prague City Cargo project

Companies Pražské služby, Huawei Technologies, Prague Public Transport together with Czech Technical University signed memorandum regarding preparation of Prague City Cargo project concept.

The Prague City Cargo project combines two main goals. The first is to verify the feasibility concept that would allow the transport of mixed municipal waste mainly by rail transport. The second objective is to find technical possibilities and ecologically friendly ways of temporarily preserving such waste before its energy or material utilization. The idea of the whole project is to create a special tram that would carry garbage in Prague at night. A trash tramway would probably have a chassis and electric equipment from an existing vehicle on which the container is attached.

Prague City Cargo project is in line with the Smart City concept that uses modern technology to improve the quality of city life. The transport of waste by rail transport appears to be a meaningful solution to relieve the over-sized metropolitan traffic burdened by exhalations in conventional shipment of garbage trucks while making good use of the existing tram network.​

For more information: click here.

80% cut in CO2 emissions with 3 revolutions in vehicle technology

There can be an 80% cut in CO2 emissions if cities embrace 3 revolutions (3R) in vehicle technology: automation, electrification, and, most importantly, ride sharing. This report examines analysis from ITDP (Institute for Transportation & Development Policy) and UC Davis showing how 3R synergy provides 40% reduction in urban vehicle transportation costs globally by 2050.

​Ride-sharing and renewable energy sources are critical to its success.

​For more information: click here.

Tram system in Aarhus (Denmark) reduces emissions

A new tram system in Aarhus has achieved an impressive feat: it will increase mobility and cut down on emissions. It is estimated that the project will help Aarhus city save over 40 million euros.

​The first stage of the light rail project will be a new 12 kilometre line, named the "Urban Line". This will commence at Aarhus central station and pass through key locations in the city before connecting to an existing line that is being converted for light rail operation. 17 new stops will be added, while park and ride facilities near existing stops have been refurbished already. The project's feasibility study was funded by ELENA, a joint initiative from the European Investment Bank and European Commission.

​Once the new service is operational, it is expected to carry 39,000 passengers daily at speeds of up to 100km per hour. It is also expected to contribute 47GW of annual energy savings and avoid 7,300 tonnes of CO² emissions each year. Being powered by electricity, the system helps to reduce energy consumption, noise, and air pollution.

​In the longer term, the light rail system will make a substantial contribution to Aarhus’s ambition to become CO2 neutral by 2030.

​For more information: click here.

Prague city prepares for the electric buses deployment on regular route

As part of the long-term emission reduction strategy, the Prague Transport Company has been testing for a year and a half SOR electric bus. This bus is operated on standard lines 163 and 213 and the total mileage from the start of traffic reached 100,000 km. Overall, it is one of the most successful European electric project. "The experience of previous electro-bus projects enables us to prepare the largest such project in the framework of the Prague Public Transport, bringing it to full electrification", said Jan Šurovský, Technical Director of the Prague Transport Company.

Based on the positive results of long-term testing, Prague Transport Company is preparing full-scale electrification of bus line 207, which connects Žižkov quarter with the central area of ​​the city. For this line, Prague Transport Company plans to purchase 14 standard (12 meter long) electric buses. Due to the need of the necessary charging infrastructure as well as the tender for the delivery of electric buses, the Prague Transport Company expects to start operating these electric buses in September 2018.

​For more information: click here.