SUMP integrating tourist mobility

Rethymno is upgrading its existing SUMP in order to combine the needs of visitors and residents alike and to address the mobility challenges and the impact of the flow of incoming tourists on the transport system.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Rethymno is enhancing its existing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, taking into account the city and the wider area, and combining the needs of visitors, residents, inter-regional mobility and public transport services.

Rethymno is utilising a holistic and innovative approach by bringing together local and regional stakeholders through capacity building events, consultations and workshops. Both tourists and citizens will profit from sustainable, affordable, secure and reliable means of transport and a healthier environment.

Rethymno’s SUMP aims to:

increase cycling, walking and use of PT by reducing the use of private cars.
improve the city’s accessibility, PT services and parking infrastructure.
prompt behaviour changes towards the use of more sustainable transport modes.
reduce fuel consumption, GHG emissions, traffic and noise.
improve the quality of life of residents and enhance tourists’ travel experience by creating a more attractive urban environment, in the process making the city a sustainable tourism destination.
increase the cost-effectiveness of transport services.
contribute to economic growth and social development.

The main planned actions include:

A study that maps the seasonal fluctuations in transport patterns of both tourists and residents, traffic loads in the centre and main touristic attractions, seasonal traffic loads and mobility patterns, access modes, and parking sites.
Revising/approving the SUMP, including studies for concrete action plans and a restructuring of public transportation services.
A SUMP observatory to coordinate monitoring mobility indicators, data collection and analysis for corrective actions and future SUMP improvements.
Establishing a local working group involving various stakeholders, policy makers and universities that will contribute to decision making and support SUMP measure implementation.
Public consultation events for citizens.
Capacity building workshops for local/regional stakeholders.

How did the measure progress?

The main activities implemented so far are:

Data collection and analysis to define the current context in Rethymno Municipality and an assessment of existing SUMP and other strategic documents.
Engagement of local stakeholders and the municipal council.
Subcontracting the upgraded SUMP study to the Sustainable Mobility Unit- Research Committee of NTUA.
Field measurements for SUMP core indicators (traffic load counts, occupancy, turning counts) in 14 spots in Rethymno Municipality.
Needs and expectations analysis, including interviews with public transport users and questionnaires filled out by residents and tourists.
Identification of stakeholders and operation of the local working group. Initial consultation workshops with key stakeholders.
Definition of SUMP objectives and initial SUMP measures.
Development of the feasibility analysis and action plan per each measure identified in the SUMP (in progress).
Development of a strategic plan for road safety and accident prevention.
Two–stage consultation events and workshops with mobility and tourism stakeholders and other involved local/regional actors.

What were the outcomes of the measure?

The expected outcomes of the measure are:

Revised pioneering SUMP for Rethymno, which will be approved.
Mobility action plan, integrating residents' and visitors' needs and taking into account the seasonality.
SUMP guidelines for other municipalities in the larger surrounding area.
Safe roads masterplan. Action plan of prevention measures.
Local working group in operation and CBW for public authorities, transport planners, transport operators and other key actors.
Citizen and stakeholder engagement through public consultation events.