Creating a mobility forum

Summary

A forum was created to provide an opportunity for the exchange of opinions and the dissemination of information. It was targeted at the public, and in particular at stakeholder groups affected by or involved in changes towards different modes of transport and mobility.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Members of the public tend not to participate actively in the planning of urban mobility and need to be informed of the various opportunities and services on offer in the new mobility culture that can reduce or modify mobility demand.

Prior to the implementation of this measure, the above problems had been dealt with by Burgos Council, mainly in the context of communications through the media and contributions to the political debate. However, this was not generally a sufficient means of involving members of the public in the decision-making process and encouraging a culture of consultation and active problem solving. Rising levels of congestion in big cities have forced public administrations to experiment with new mobility control methodologies, often restrictive in nature, in order to cut the number of private vehicles, reduce pollution and improve air quality. These measures are often unpopular among citizens, who are not sufficiently aware of public transport alternatives or of the huge environmental impact of traditional mobility behaviour. Effective communication is key to winning public support for demand-management policies such as access restrictions and parking management.

The Mobility Forum was therefore designed as a permanent website to further the debate on mobility, to encourage public participation in decision making from an early stage, and to improve public information services. It provides information on:

• public transport services and networks;
• intermodal opportunities;
• innovative systems such as car sharing, collective taxis and bicycle loan schemes; and
• other topics relevant to mobility in the city.

Within the Mobility Forum, it was planned to organise activities such as conferences, exhibitions, seminars and workshops in relation to specific mobility topics.  The forum would also be a means of involving other public and private bodies in decision-making processes. 

Progress

• Thousands of postcards, each addressing a specific mobility issue, were distributed.
• Workshops were organised.
• Among other promotional campaigns, two competitions on sustainable mobility issues were held.
• Stakeholder meetings were held to discuss mobility problems and identify solutions.
• All stages in the development of the new services and the public discussions could be followed via the Mobility Forum website.  

Outcomes

• More than 250 comments on the Mobility Forum website.
• More than 80 meetings with stakeholders.
• Two forums, one summer university and two conferences organised.
• More than 20 presentations or inaugurations organised.
• Very good acceptance of the measure in general.