Autonomous, on-demand busses in focus at metaCCAZE workshops in Malta
Image by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
CIVITAS project, metaCCAZEhas hosted the first two local workshops of its Living Lab in Malta. Organised by the Ministry for Transport Infrastructure and Public Works, the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Malta and Malta Public Transport, the workshops aimed to gather feedback from stakeholders on the testing of an autonomous, on-demand electric bus across Malta and Gozo.
Held from 11-13 November 2024, the workshops were hosted at the Citadel in Gozo and Ħad-Dingli in Malta, and provided partners with the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and explore the potential of autonomous electric transport in Malta. The events aimed to foster a collaborative environment for discussing local implementation of such vehicles, and possible challenges and opportunities.
Following a short presentation of the project, stakeholders participated in a structured feedback session using the innovative mini-dialogue methodology. This approach aimed to facilitate in-depth conversations on the specific needs and concerns of stakeholders, gaining insights on real-world challenges, potential barriers, and community expectations. Attendees included representatives from public entities and academia, private business, operators, NGOs and citizen groups, which ensured a well-rounded perspective. By engaging participants through these dialogues, the workshops aimed to capture the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of each group, fostering a shared understanding of how autonomous, on-demand electric buses could be trialed locally.
The Living Labs in Malta are dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility initiatives within the EU Horizon framework. As part of the metaCCAZE project, Malta is exploring ways to transition towards greener, smarter transport systems that are more aligned with climate-neutrality goals. By participating in this initiative, Malta aims to improve its urban mobility infrastructure, reduce emissions, and ensure a more sustainable future for its residents while gaining insights from leading European cities on clean and connected mobility solutions.
Learn more about the project and Living Labs here.
Author: Lisa Marie Hanß
