Antwerp finds a "Smart Way" to tackle its mobility challenges
Due to major infrastructure works, the city of Antwerp is facing a number of pressing mobility challenges. In response to this, the city has launched its "Smart Ways to Antwerp" initiative with support from the CIVITAS PORTIS project.
This aims to inform citizens, commuters, and visitors about road works in and around the city and to offer them smart mobility solutions for their day-to-day travel needs.
As of this month, construction works are starting in the city centre that will lead to the closure of an important traffic intersection. This will impact on traffic in and around the city. Citizens and commuters will therefore be encouraged to rethink their current mobility behaviour. A lively communications strategy, a variety of promotional products, and a route planner will inform citizens, commuters, and visitors about the works, and encourage them to use alternative means of transport.
Mobility managers working for the city will also provide companies with personalised travel plans and give their employees the opportunity to trial different means of sustainable transport. This ranges from public transport tickets to folding and e-bikes.
As the level of municipal government in closest contact with the public, Antwerp's districts are heavily involved in the initiative. They are helping to organise local sessions and mobility fairs that grant citizens direct and easy access to smart mobility providers and information on road works and mobility in Antwerp.
To mark the introduction of new tramlines that will link up previously unconnected areas of the city, the public transport provider De Lijn is launching a promotional campaign presenting Antwerp as a "tram city". The new public transport offer, combined with an effective promotion and information campaign, should help to build awareness of sustainable means of transport.
If the public can be convinced of the value and importance of using sustainable means of transport, then achieving long-lasting and sustainable change in citizens’ daily travel choices and behaviour is a real possibility.
For more information, visit the PORTIS project page.
Author: Katia Kishchenko
