In Leipzig to discuss innovative approaches to mobility
A new EMBRACER Exchange of Experience event was held in Leipzig, Germany, on 28./29 January 2025, organised by Aufbauwerk Region Leipzig GmbH. The focus of the event was on innovative approaches to intermodal mobility and improving public transportation in urban and rural areas. Representatives from various European cities and regions exchanged experiences and best practices and discussed solutions for more sustainable and accessible mobility.
The first day began with a thematic seminar on “Regional Gaps in Infrastructure & the Design of an Intermodal Mobility Strategy.” Fredericke Weiner from Aufbauwerk Region Leipzig GmbH and Daniel Andrae, a lecturer from the University of Meißen introduced the participants to the topic. A notable presentation was the mobility videos created by students of the University of Meißen, designed to test public transportation between Leipzig's city center and peripheral areas.
David Schmid from the Leipzig Transport Services (LVB) presented the model project "PuMa", focusing on demand-oriented mobility and aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by integrating flexible, sustainable transport options into the existing system.
Rasa Ušpalytė-Vitkūnienė from Lithuania presented a project in Vilnius where public transportation was tested for accessibility for people with disabilities.
In Tampere, Finland, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) was presented with an emphasis on promoting walkability.
Another contribution came from the Discovery Partner from Ukraine, who presented the Lviv agglomeration and shared challenges and solutions related to public transport in this region. This was followed by a presentation from the Discovery Partner from Novi Pazar, Serbia, who discussed traffic problems in their city and, together with the participants, sought solutions.
Darren McAdam-O'Connell and Stephan Koch from Trasport Mobility Forum and University College Cork in Ireland, shared the transportation and mobility challenges in Cork, which includes both an urban center and rural surroundings.
In the afternoon, two interesting study visits took place: one at a LVB Mobility Station, predecessors to the current intermodal Leipzig MOVE app, which is offering a one-app solution for Mobility as a Service; and one at a stop for the on-demand shuttle service FLEXA, an innovative on-demand shuttle system used in Leipzig’s outer districts.
The second day began with a seminar on "Smart Regional Public Transport Ecosystems," where various best practices and innovative mobility solutions were presented. Christian Hoyas, Head of the Road Traffic Department of the Nordsachsen District, explained the flexible on-demand transport system FLEXA Nordsachsen, which serves as an alternative to traditional bus lines in rural areas.
"ABSOLUT" project by Leipzig Transport Services (LVB) deals with the future of public transportation, particularly autonomous vehicles. Mario Nowack, the project manager, provided an overview of the pilot projects LVB is conducting in this area and the long-term goals of the project.
Tadeja Horvat from the Sinergija Development Agency in Slovenia discussed on-demand transport as an alternative to public transport in the rural areas of the Pomurje region. In Italy, the project "On-Demand Services in Low-Demand Areas" was presented, which is successfully being implemented in the municipalities of Quartu S. Elena and Quartucciu near Cagliari. Ana Faria from the Coimbra Region in Portugal gave an insight into the development of intermodal solutions that will become a reality in the region by 2025, while Ali Sarang from TTS Italia presented the UPPER project in Rome, which explores innovative approaches for public transport integration.
Brian Masson, an expert in integrated transport system design, shared his 50 years of experience in the field, providing valuable insights and best practices for the planning and design of integrated transport systems across Europe.
The Steering Committee Meeting took place right after lunch in the Aufbauwerk Office, conducted by EMBRACER’s communication manager Laura Franchi and the Lead Partner.
In the afternoon, participants were given an exclusive tour of Leipzig Central Station, one of the largest transportation hubs in Europe. The tour covered not only the technical aspects of station management but also the safety concept and challenges involved in operating such a large station.
This Fourth Exchange of Experience was an important step towards more sustainable and inclusive mobility in Europe. The best practices presented, particularly in the field of on-demand mobility and the integration of innovative technologies like autonomous vehicles, offer valuable approaches for the future development of public transport. The collaboration between European partners will continue to play a crucial role in promoting intermodal, sustainable, and accessible mobility solutions.