Mobility Initiatives for Local Integration and Sustainability

The implementation of the 49 measures resulted in the following key achievements:

1. Alternative fuels and clean, energy-efficient vehicles were put into operation and partners improved their knowledge of the related benefits and constraints. Further development, resulting in increased impact, continued after the end of the project.
2. The new approach towards car ownership and car use, the promotion of public transport and cycling, and the improvement of sustainable mobility services encouraged a modal shift towards public transport, cycling and walking.
3. Access restrictions improved the quality and fair share of public spaces.
4. New infrastructure and equipment were installed for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Accessibility for disabled people was improved to foster safety, security and social inclusion, improving equity in urban mobility.
5. Private car access to the city centre was restricted in a number of MOBILITY cities. Environmental zones were created, and environment-friendly transport modes were introduced. New waterbuses, for example, helped to reduce noise levels and improve air quality in some urban areas.
6. New parking and freight delivery policies were implemented, limiting city centre access exclusively to local users.
7. New commuter mobility plans were created to support economic development and competitiveness.
8. The identification of relevant interest groups and the creation of participative working groups contributed to efficient planning, management and implementation. Coordination among various stakeholders at different administrative levels had a beneficial impact on the development of various mobility services.
9. Individual citizens and citizens associations were brought into the working groups, contributing to improved public participation in mobility-related decision making.
10. Marketing and information campaigns raised awareness of sustainable mobility and promoted behavioural change.
11. The development of telematic and intermodal systems improved the innovative and creative capacities of local mobility stakeholders.

Policy implications

The MOBILIS politicians discussed during four political steering group meetings the importance and nature of integrated local policies for the successful introduction of a new mobility culture. Based on the MOBILIS work and these discussions the MOBILIS project identified four distinct types of policy tools:

• Provision of political, policy and regulative support,
• Availability of financial means and economic logic,
• Creation of institutional cooperation and stakeholder involvement,
• Increase of user participation and awareness.

The in-depth discussions on these policy tools and the evaluation of the MOBILIS outcomes resulted in overall policy recommendations for local and EC policy makers and practitioners.