Policy instruments
Discover the policy instruments that the partners of this project are tackling.
A means for public intervention. It refers to any policy, strategy, or law developed by public authorities and applied on the ground to improve a specific territorial situation. In most cases, financial resources are associated with a policy instrument. However, an instrument can also sometimes refer to a legislative framework with no specific funding. In the context of Interreg Europe, operational programmes for Investment for Growth and Jobs as well as Cooperation Programmes from European Territorial Cooperation are policy instruments. Beyond EU cohesion policy, local, regional, or national public authorities also develop their own policy instruments.
The 'Programme ERDF 2021-2027 South Netherlands' covers Noord-Brabant, Limburg and Zeeland. It aims to improve regional connectivity and mobility by integrating sustainable PT solutions, such as low-carbon technologies and digital innovations (e.g. electric vehicles) to increase efficiency and reduce emissions (aligned with EU2020). It also supports the development of sustainable transport infrastructure and the adoption of digital solutions to optimise energy use and environmental impact.
Its primary goal is sustainable and inclusive growth. In line with RIS3 cluster strategies (e.g. Energy - Greener Europe), the 'Programme ERDF 2021-2027 South Netherlands' promotes research and innovation by increasing SME involvement in R&I and fostering collaboration between businesses, research institutions and higher education (e.g. supporting 1,000 SMEs). Through pilot projects and demonstrations, it prioritises the commercialisation and scaling up of low-carbon mobility solutions, working closely with SMEs and civil society.
By promoting public-private partnerships and multi-helix learning ecosystems, the 'Programme ERDF 2021-2027 South Netherlands' aims at an integrated policy approach to sustainable PT innovation, facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration to leverage the strengths of different stakeholders. NEXT RIDE will contribute by improving policy frameworks, sharing best practices and supporting mobility solutions in line with the programme's sustainable mobility objectives.
Partners working on this policy instrument

The 'Openbaardienstencontract' (ODC) between De Lijn and the Flemish Government for 2023-2027 aims to improve sustainable mobility in Flanders. Its main objective is to create a more attractive, sustainable and efficient public transport system. Key features include:
- Customer friendliness: Improving the passenger experience through modern, comfortable and reliable services.
- Sustainability: Focusing on reducing environmental impact by greening the fleet, improving energy efficiency and managing water and waste sustainably.
- Efficiency: Applying a data-driven approach to cost-effectiveness, resource allocation and operational planning.
- The contract emphasises a demand-driven, integrated transport model, enhancing collaboration with different transport providers. An annual investment of €120 million will support maintenance and the greening of the fleet, with significant emission reduction targets by 2025. De Lijn's increased autonomy in pricing and service offerings, together with increased outsourcing, aims to improve flexibility and coverage. In addition, De Lijn's new role as a transport system manager ensures better integration and efficiency between different transport modes, promoting a systemic approach to mobility.
This comprehensive framework ensures that De Lijn can effectively meet the evolving mobility needs of Flanders while prioritising sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Partners working on this policy instrument

Implemented already in 2017, the Integrated Mobility Strategy of the Municipality of Postojna aims to develop urban mobility and create a sustainable transport system. The strategy focuses on improving the attractiveness and quality of life in the city, ensuring accessibility to jobs and services, improving the connection between the hinterland and the city, optimising the use of transport infrastructure, reducing mobility costs, promoting tourism, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, increasing traffic safety, and developing the local and regional economy to attract investment.
The choice of integrated transport planning is based on its many advantages, such as balancing economic development, social equity and environmental quality; integrating practices and policies from different sectors, levels of government and neighbouring areas; involving different public stakeholders in all planning phases; achieving measurable objectives; considering wider social costs and benefits; and enhancing professionalism in planning.
Preventive and corrective measures will deliver tangible benefits to citizens, such as improved public spaces and child safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, positive environmental and health impacts leading to cost savings, increased mobility for diverse user groups, and improved access to areas and services. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more sustainable, accessible and efficient transport system in Postojna.
Partners working on this policy instrument

The Public Transport Strategy 2030, adopted by the State government of BW in July 2023, aims to support emission reduction targets and sustainable transport objectives. It addresses technological changes, financial constraints, and institutional and human resource limitations.
- Objective: Achieve emission reduction targets and sustainable transport.
- Structure: 135 specific measures across 10 thematic areas, each with assigned institutional responsibility and target dates.
The ten thematic areas are: PT supply, connected mobility, PT priority, infrastructure, operation/vehicle/service quality, fares/distribution, communication/mobility culture, legal/financial framework, organisation/industry structure, and research/monitoring/evaluation.
CCAM is noted for further research and trials but is not yet fully integrated into the strategy. The next revision must emphasise CCAM, developing concepts for everyday operations, including service concepts, fleets, staffing, and operational management. Given the rapid technological development, the strategy will need to go beyond individual pilots.
Although comprehensive, the current strategy lacks detailed references to CCAM and its implications. This provides a foundation for NEXT RIDE activities, as it is clear that future updates will need to give more prominence, ensuring the strategy aligns with technological advancements and addresses necessary adaptations.
Partners working on this policy instrument

The Planul de Mobilitate Urbană Durabilă Cluj-Napoca 2021-2030 (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan Cluj-Napoca 2021-2030) is a strategic document developed by the Cluj Metropolitan Area (CMA). It aligns spatial development with the mobility and transport needs of people and goods, complementing the Peri-urban/Metropolitan Territorial Development Strategy and the General Urban Plan.
Objective: To address all forms of mobility and transport, including public and private, freight and passenger, motorised and non-motorised, mobile and static, integrating the spatial development of localities with their peri-urban/metropolitan areas.
Characteristics and priorities:
- Comprehensive coverage: Addresses different forms of mobility for a holistic approach to transport planning.
- Priority projects: Identifies key projects for road networks, public transport, non-motorised transport, electric mobility hubs, traffic management, complex areas and intermodal structures.
- New Mobility Paradigm: Based on a new mobility paradigm in line with the ELTIS and JASPERS guidelines and national legislation.
- Adaptability: Updated to include provisions for micro-mobility solutions such as electric scooters and bicycles.
The SUMP aims to create a sustainable, efficient and inclusive urban mobility system that integrates different modes of transport, prioritises environmental sustainability and improves the quality of urban life.
Partners working on this policy instrument

Malta's National Transport Strategy 2050 (NTS) guides the development of transport modes (land, sea and air) with targets for short, medium and long term improvements. The strategy is aligned with Malta's economic, social and environmental objectives and aims to achieve a sustainable, efficient and integrated transport system by 2050.
The NTS prioritises sustainability (reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting electric vehicles, public transport), efficiency (reducing congestion, improving mobility), safety (improved infrastructure, enforcement) and integration (seamless connectivity between modes).
Key elements include expanding PT, improving connectivity and supporting sustainable transport infrastructure (cycle paths, charging stations). It emphasises advanced technologies and CCAM to optimise traffic management and user experience. Economic growth will be supported by improving transport links to key areas and promoting tourism.
Measures focus on reducing the CO2 footprint of the transport sector (incentives for e-vehicles, investment in green infrastructure), improving safety (upgrading road infrastructure) and innovative mobility solutions (automated vehicles, shared mobility). Stakeholder engagement is integral, with public consultation and collaboration ensuring that the strategy meets diverse needs. The NTS aims to transform Malta's transport system into a sustainable and efficient model, addressing current challenges and preparing for future mobility needs.
Partners working on this policy instrument
