Expert Group on Urban Mobility develops recommendations on public transport and shared mobility

As urbanisation accelerates across Europe, the demand for sustainable and efficient transportation systems is increasingly urgent. Innovative mobility solutions and public space management are emerging as viable responses to these needs, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

The European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) has put forth a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance public transport through the integration of shared mobility, and to encourage the use of the Social Climate Fund in support of public transportation. DG MOVE, the Commission’s department responsible for EU mobility and transport policy, has established this platform to facilitate dialogue and the co-creation of actions to implement the updated 2021 EU urban mobility framework. The recommendations encompass various guidelines that focus on the future of public transport and inclusive and sustainable urban space, urban vehicle access regulations, and more.

As outlined in the EGUM document, shared mobility holds significant potential when it comes to daily commutes, provided that it is effectively integrated with public transport to offer a viable and efficient alternative to private cars. The expert group’s recommendations address infrastructure, safety, the redistribution of public spaces, the digital integration of transport data, and multimodality.

These guidelines not only support the SUM project at a European level, but also highlight an exemplary case from one of it's consortium members, namely Transports Publics Genevois (TPG), in the Living Lab of Geneva.

TPG’s multimodal solution in Geneva

In 2023, the Canton of Geneva, through Transports Publics Genevois (TPG), partnered with Donkey Republic to address congestion and strengthen the regional public transport network. This collaboration aimed to provide commuters with efficient and sustainable transportation options, thus reducing congestion and pressure on public transit during peak hours.

One of the innovations offered by TPG are the bundled memberships, as part of which memberships are provided to users for accesing both public transit services operated by TPG and the bike-sharing network by Donkey Republic. Data analysis shows that 48% of the trips made using Donkey Republic bikes replaced journeys typically made by public transport during rush hours and, more importantly, 13% of the bike trips replaced car journeys, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and environmental sustainability.

The initiative extends to TPG employees, with 19% actively using Donkey Republic memberships to commute in conjunction with public transport, highlighting the effectiveness of incentivising multimodal commuting among staff.

Key challenges and recommendations from the Expert Group

Challenges

• Infrastructure and space allocation: Urban road networks currently prioritise cars, which hinders the development of shared mobility. Public spaces must be shared more equitably among all modes of transport, and existing infrastructure needs to be adapted to accommodate shared mobility services.
• Integration with public transport: Shared mobility services should complement public transport rather than replace it. This requires seamless integration into urban planning and transport systems, ensuring accessibility and coverage.
• Economic and business models: Sustainable and reliable business models for shared mobility services are essential. In areas where commercial viability is low, public contracting may be necessary to ensure that these services complement public transport effectively.
• Safety and inclusion: Shared mobility services present safety risks that need to be managed. Ensuring that these services cater to all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, is crucial.
• Technology and the digital divide: Effective data sharing and technological solutions are necessary to integrate shared mobility with public transport. Efforts must be made to provide access to mobility services for individuals who lack digital resources.

Recommendations

• Complementarity and integration: Authorities should design policies that ensure that shared mobility solutions complement public transport, integrating these into urban development and transport planning.
• Strategic planning: Long-term planning and investment are necessary for the stable integration of shared mobility into the transport system.
• Public space redistribution: Urban development should include dedicated infrastructure for shared mobility, cycling, and walking, and establish multimodal hubs for easy access to various transport forms.
• Adapting rolling stock: Public transport vehicles should be adapted to accommodate shared mobility options.
• Urban development projects: Local authorities should integrate shared mobility solutions into new construction projects through specific planning rules and partnerships.
• Multimodal hubs: Attractive multimodal hubs should be developed in both urban and rural areas to encourage the use of shared mobility services.
• Safety measures: High-quality active mobility infrastructure should be prioritised, and communication campaigns launched to raise awareness about road sharing.
• Inclusive design: Shared mobility services should be designed to meet the needs of diverse user groups, including those with reduced mobility.

The importance of shared mobility according to experts

Shared mobility has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban and rural mobility systems by complementing traditional public transport. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address urban sprawl and congestion, increase vehicle occupancy rates, and support the development of sustainable, polycentric cities. By providing affordable and accessible transportation options, shared mobility promotes social inclusion and can be economically viable with the right strategic support and public policies.

Conclusion

The SUM project exemplifies the importance of integrating shared mobility hubs to enhance urban and rural transportation systems across Europe. As urban areas expand, the demand for sustainable and efficient mobility solutions grows. The recent recommendations from the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility align seamlessly with the SUM project’s objectives, highlighting the need to complement public transport with shared mobility.

The success of TPG’s multimodal solution in Geneva provides a model of best practices, demonstrating the potential for efficient, eco-friendly transportation options. Addressing the challenges identified by the European Commission’s Expert group, such as infrastructure adaptation, seamless integration with public transport, sustainable business models, safety and inclusivity, and bridging the digital divide, is crucial for replicating such success across Europe.

These recommendations provide a roadmap for overcoming today’s urban and rural mobility challenges. Policy initiatives should focus on the complementarity and integration of shared mobility with public transport, supported by strategic long-term planning. Infrastructure development must prioritise the redistribution of public spaces and the adaptation of public transport vehicles to accommodate shared mobility options.

Author: Polis Network

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