Connecting Rome peripheral areas with on-demand transport encouraging sustainable mobility
About this good practice
In a city as big as Rome it is important to guarantee mobility access to peripheral areas. After an initial experimental phase as a special line, from 6 May 2025 the on-demand bus service wanted by the Municipalty of Rome and managed by the city Mobility Agency, Roma Servizi per la Mobilità, in the Massimina district has become permanent and structural, starting a new operating mode that will gradually replace the fixed lines, optimizing the transport network and costs. The vehicles are on the road seven days a week, including holidays, from 5:30 to midnight, and will integrate or replace the existing public transport lines, allowing the area to be served in a more widespread way. With the end of the experimental phase, which began in September 2024, the on-demand bus has extended its area of action and has fully covered the area served by lines 086 and 087, which have been abolished since 12 May. The service, which was free during the trial, now costs the same as an ordinary ticket, and is obviously already included in the current Metrebus subscriptions. To use the on-demand buses, it’s necessary to download the "Clicbus" application and register. The Clic Bus service is carried out with vehicles with a capacity of 9 seats, including the driver, and provision for 1 wheelchair per vehicle for people with reduced mobility. Citizens living in the Massimina peripheral area are the main beneficiaries, but the whole transport network and users will enjoy the improved mobility.
Resources needed
The economic resources for the experimental part were financed by the Metropolitan City of Rome by participating in a dedicated tender with an amount of 900,000 euros including VAT.
Evidence of success
The trial data: over 22,000 passengers transported; 97% satisfied users (average rating 8.5/10); 90% of bookings via the ClicBus app; 90.1% of users willing to continue using it even if they pay.
Potential for learning or transfer
This on-demand transport is a win-win solution: the trial data clearly show that such a service is appreciated by users, having at disposal an improved mobility service. The transport operators can optimize costs and network by reducing fixed lines and adding a more focused service such as the on-demand one. In addition, benefits for the environment are linked to a reduced use of the private car, as the on-demand transport can answer a specific mobility need/demand.
