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.
The Municipality utilises 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.
- challenge behavioural change towards more sustainable transport choices.
- reduce fuel consumption, GHGs 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 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.
- Revision/approval of the upgraded 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 key 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.
