Mobilizing regional stakeholders
The MaaSolutions project, supported by the Interreg Europe Programme, aims to improve urban mobility and transform regional policy instruments through the introduction of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions. A series of stakeholder group meetings have been organized in various regions, bringing together key local organizations, municipalities, and mobility experts to collaborate and discuss innovative approaches to urban transport. Below is a summary of the meetings and progress made in the participating areas.
- Vas County, Hungary
On September 25, 2024, the first online meeting of the Vas County local Stakeholder Group took place. The MaaSolutions project, running from April 2024 to March 2028, involves collaboration between project partners and stakeholders (including organizations directly concerned with the project’s theme). The goal is to identify and implement good practices for improving regional mobility through seminars, international study tours, and data collection. The Vas County Stakeholder Group includes 11 participating organizations, municipalities, and companies, all committed to working together on this initiative.
- Baia Mare, Romania
On September 27, 2024, the Baia Mare Metropolitan Area Association hosted its first local workshop, involving representatives from Baia Mare City, Baia Sprie Town, Tăuții Măgherăuș Town, Recea Commune, and the public transport company URBIS S.A. The meeting focused on mobility data collection in the metropolitan area to address issues related to mobility and public transport services. The stakeholders agreed to collaborate in gathering data through online questionnaires to improve services and propose MaaS solutions. Discussions also centered around promoting non-polluting modes of travel, such as cycling and walking.
- Stad Geel, Belgium
On October 25, 2024, Stad Geel held its first regional stakeholder meeting, attended by representatives from Thomas More College, Catholic University Leuven, the Flemish government’s mobility department, and other local organizations. The meeting introduced the MaaSolutions project and shared good practices, including Hoppin points and a bicycle highway. The group brainstormed potential mobility solutions for the region and discussed how to align these efforts with the local mobility policy. They also expressed interest in attending upcoming interregional learning events, with plans for a delegation to visit Hungary in March 2025.
- Puglia Region, Italy
On October 30, 2024, the Puglia Region hosted its first stakeholder meeting, focusing on the region’s role in the MaaSolutions project. The meeting, held online, brought together representatives from municipalities and public transport service providers. The stakeholders were introduced to the project’s objectives, aimed at transforming mobility services in Puglia. Participants discussed how MaaS could be integrated into the region’s transport system and how regional policy could evolve to support these changes. The meeting marked the beginning of the region’s engagement in the project, with stakeholders eager to contribute to creating a more connected future.
- Liepāja, Latvia
On December 11, 2024, Liepāja held its first stakeholder meeting, bringing together representatives from Liepāja City Municipality, the Kurzeme Planning Region, the Public Transport Agency, and other stakeholders. The meeting explored how MaaS could be integrated into the existing infrastructure to improve both residents' and tourists' mobility experience. Key discussions centered on data management, legal frameworks, and the sociological impacts of mobility changes. Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of pilot testing and data collection to refine MaaS solutions tailored to Liepāja’s needs. This meeting marked the beginning of the city’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive urban mobility system.
- Leipzig, Germany
On January 29, Aufbauwerk Leipzig GmbH held the first SG Meeting of the MaaSolutions project, bringing together regional stakeholders from Northern Saxony and Greater Leipzig. The event, part of the EMBRACER project on mobility, focused on MaaS. Christian Hoyas from Northern Saxony presented the FLASH autonomous bus and the FLEXA on-demand bus service, launched in December 2024. Representatives from Leipzig’s public transport company showcased ABSOLUT and FLEXA Leipzig, pioneering solutions for suburban areas. The meeting also served as an opportunity to inform stakeholders about the MaaSolutions project.
These initial meetings represent the first steps toward realizing the MaaSolutions project’s broader goals of improving mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable transport practices across the regions. With strong stakeholder engagement and a focus on data-driven solutions, the project is poised to create lasting impacts on urban mobility in the participating regions.