Study Visit: Thessaloniki, Region of Central Macedonia Pt.1
As part of the REFOCUS project, participants recently gathered in Thessaloniki to explore innovative data-driven mobility planning solutions. The visit combined a classroom session focused on data-driven decision support tools, developed by REFOCUS lead partner the Centre for Technology and Research Hellas (CERTH), with a field trip to the city's new automated metro system. This opportunity for dialogue and an exclusive tour provided valuable insights into cutting-edge mobility and planning solutions that are shaping the future of sustainable urban transport in Thessaloniki and the region.
Key Takeaways from the Classroom Session
Setting the Scene: Smart and Sustainable Mobility
Prior to the day’s presentations, Vice Director Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou of CERTH and Hellenic Institute for transport (HIT) opened the day’s session by thanking all for their attendance and emphasizing the challenges cities face in developing smart and sustainable mobility systems. She underscored the importance of data-driven approaches and highlighted the REFOCUS project’s key role in promoting mobility planning innovation across European cities as part of Interreg Europe’s Policy-Learning Platform.
Data Fusion and Dynamic Traffic Management in Thessaloniki
Dr. Vasilis Psonis from CERTH/HIT introduced Thessaloniki’s Data Fusion and Dynamic Traffic Management project, which provides real-time monitoring and gathering of traffic flow data.
Key features include:
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Scenario Manager: Real-time activation of dynamic traffic management scenarios.
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Monitoring: Continuous assessment of traffic conditions.
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C-ITS Integration: Real-time tracking of traffic data and variable message signs (VMS).
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Dashboard: Visualization of key performance indicators such as traffic flow, speed, and travel times.
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Mobile App (Upcoming): A smart tool for providing location-based messages to drivers.
The project leverages data from magnetic and Bluetooth sensors, floating car data (FCD) from over 800 taxis, and a dedicated team of traffic engineers, data analysts, and developers. Despite successes, challenges remain, such as data fusion pipeline issues, reluctance from data providers, and the need for skilled software developers.
Full details on this REFOCUS Good Practice can be found here.
Enigma Platform: CO2 Emissions Monitoring and Sustainability
Energy consumption & emissions monitoring & assessment platform (ENIGMA), presented by Dr. Josep Maria Salanova Grau (CERTH/HIT), is a tool for monitoring CO2 emissions and prioritizing sustainability investments. Its core functions include:
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Providing detailed statistics on CO2 emissions.
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Simulating potential interventions for emissions reduction.
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Guiding investment decisions based on budget and performance analysis.
Equipped with enough data, this tool can effectively guide public authorities available budgets to have maximum impact on carbon emission reductions. This won’t always necessarily be transport related but the model will show the potential benefits of, for example, new investments in zero-emission bus fleets.
Full details on this REFOCUS Good Practice can be found here.
4-Step Decision-Making Model for Public Transport Planning
Mrs. Maria Chatziathanasiou, introduced a multimodal macroscopic traffic simulation model developed by CERTH/HIT, which supports urban mobility planning. The model has been instrumental in Thessaloniki’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and other studies, aiding in:
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Scenario testing for sustainable mobility interventions.
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Fleet size optimization.
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Public transport route redesign.
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Evaluating the impact of major infrastructure projects.
Traffic modelling, now a core component of digital twin cities, enables authorities and transport operators to develop data-driven solutions. Cooperation between public institutions, private operators, and research bodies is essential for maximizing the benefits of innovative mobility tools such as this one.
Full details on this REFOCUS Good Practice can be found here.
All of the above presentations are available to view as part of the first REFOCUS Regional Snapshot here.
Keep reading in Part. 2 of this article here.