V - Unleashing the potential of sustainable public transport in Europe
Our hope is to show how sustainable services and measures can put citizens at the heart of the mobility system.
Mircea Steriu, UPPER project coordinator
Moving people away from private motorised travel to public transport and sustainable mobility options requires improved travel information and services, tailored to diverse passenger needs. Driven by the principle of ‘Mobility as a Right’, the UPPER(opens in new window) project coordinator Mircea Steriu, from the International Association of Public Transport(opens in new window) (UITP), emphasises the importance of understanding the link between customer satisfaction and public transport use when trying to shape better mobility options. “It’s about making sure that people choose buses, metros or shared bicycles not just because they lack a private car, but because active travel is their first desired solution.” Addressing this, UPPER established Living Labs in 10 European cities, each experimenting with unique strategies to diminish private car usage and enhance sustainable travel. “Even high public transport use cities such as Budapest or Oslo face challenges and must consistently adapt to the needs of their citizens,” Steriu notes.
Sustainability driven by innovation
Key to UPPER’s strategy is aligning with each city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. To take on the challenges faced even in cities with high public transport usage, the project’s toolkit is built in close collaboration with these cities. Achieving carbon neutrality will require more than just technological advancements: it implies a fundamental shift in travel habits and patterns. UPPER seeks to demonstrate that innovation is crucial for this shift to sustainable mobility. Steriu envisions a paradigm shift in how people navigate cities, requiring a comprehensive approach that combines innovation with a deep understanding of population needs. Reflecting on the project’s first year, Steriu describes it as a period focused on learning from past experiences and establishing essential stakeholder relationships. As the project moves forward, the implementation of new solutions will involve legislative changes, stakeholder consultations and plan revisions. “Our hope is to show how sustainable services and measures can put citizens at the heart of the mobility system,” he says.