CIM-Coimbra Region, invited speaker at the PLP workshop

On March 7, 2024, our EMBRACER partner from CIM-Coimbra Region was an invited speaker in the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform (PLP) e-workshop on the topic of "Green and Inclusive Regional Mobility Solutions: key learnings", exploring good practices from Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

Rural areas frequently suffer from a lack of public services and face distinct challenges compared to urban areas, including less access to opportunities, and greater challenges for connectivity and infrastructure. This includes the provision of sustainable and public transport, with many people instead relying on private cars. Many rural areas also play a recreational role, with high levels of tourism, which can also lead to an influx of vehicles. Rural areas across Europe have explored how to decarbonise their transport sectors and increase inclusivity and connectivity with innovative approaches to public transport and vehicle sharing.

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) presents a promising solution to enhance transport accessibility in rural regions where traditional public transport may be insufficient and not economically viable. The success of the DRT scheme in Coimbra, Portugal - SITFLEX - shows its feasibility and popularity, shedding light on its potential to complement and expand mobility services in underserved areas.

CIM-Coimbra Region shared their experience and demonstrated how they were able to implement the SITFLEX system in the region. Coimbra's DRT system presents a flexible approach, using taxis to provide public transport services where traditional options are lacking. This system operates with timetables, set stops, and routes that adapt dynamically based on demand. By offering journeys at the same cost as a bus ticket and subsidizing the difference between the actual cost and ticket income, the local authority ensures affordability and accessibility for residents. There is, however, the need for substantial investment, particularly in subsidizing fares and maintaining a fleet of vehicles/taxis engaged. But the social benefits of providing flexible mobility services in rural areas outweigh these costs, as DRT helps to maintain connectivity and accessibility for remote communities, thereby fostering social inclusion and economic development. To optimize the effectiveness of DRT offers, digital systems based on applications and platforms for booking, along with real-time information dissemination, enhance convenience and accessibility for users. Moreover, ensuring a high degree of flexibility and performance is essential for adapting to changing demand patterns and maintaining service quality. Effective communication strategies are also relevant in raising awareness and informing the community about the existing mobility options.
 
For information on the event, recording and presentations, click here