Global perspectives for better urban transport

Sustainable urban transport is crucial for raising the standard of living in European cities and the continent's metropolitan areas. The EU-funded VIAJEO PLUS (International coordination for implementation of innovative and efficient urban mobility solutions) project is investigating the best and greenest urban mobility solutions adopted around the world. It is exchanging knowledge and experiences on the topic through workshops, site visits and findings, creating a virtual solution book to facilitate adoption of these solutions.

An important part of this initiative involves cross-learning, where Asia, Europe, Latin America and EU Mediterranean Partner Countries can benefit from each other's best practices and viable solutions. This highlights cutting-edge solutions currently in use and policies being adopted, as well as the latest research and development, helping European industry to strengthen its competiveness within the global marketplace. Future collaboration with cities around the globe is also being planned in this context.

To further sustainable urban transport, the project team is studying five key areas: innovative integrated network management, clean vehicle deployment, innovative public transport, sustainable urban logistics and enabling infrastructure. The project has already established 5 expert groups and has selected from 15 cities worldwide 20 best solutions, which have been integrated in the virtual solution book.

Beyond releasing its virtual book, VIAJEO PLUS has organised several events to further its objectives around the globe. It organised four city mobility weeks in China, Latin America, Singapore and Sweden, featuring workshops, meetings and technical visits. The project also launched two forums on the topic in Turkey, attracting high-level attendees and participants from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and the host country.

Other expected project results include several implementation plans for selected solutions and recommendations on future sustainable transport research topics to be pursued under international cooperation. The project's impacts will include better transfer of innovative transport solutions worldwide, enhanced global dialogue among practitioners and policymakers in the field, and contributions to EU policy development. In the long run, efficient and more sustainable urban transport will bring numerous benefits to European citizens, from seamless commuting to a greener environment.