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In April 2023, the City of Sofia announced the launch of a new on-demand bus service for the more remote neighbourhoods of the Bulgarian capital. Low emission buses will take residents from large transit hubs to their residential areas, offering them a more affordable and sustainable solution to their last-mile trips.

Buses will operate in the neighbourhoods of Manastirski Livadi East and West, as well as Pavlovo, from Monday to Friday, between 6:07 to 22:40, with a frequency of 16 to 18 minutes during peak hours. During the night, residents will be able to book a ride through an app, called BusInn, and meet the bus in designated pick-up points. The city will implement 6 electric vehicle charging stations and a total fleet of 5 buses serving the neighbourhoods at pre-identified stops.

The provision of the new on-demand bus service aims to make public transport more attractive by offering more and better connections to residents who live farther from the city centre and where frequent, timetabled public transport services do not make much sense. Giving residents, who are reluctant to move away from cars, more attractive options encourages them to switch to more sustainable transport modes, such as public transport.

The measure will also help Sofia improve its air quality, as the city is one of the most polluted in Europe. The city is now investing in a range of actions to improve air quality, which also focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another relevant project is INNOAIR, funded through the European Urban Innovative Actions initiative, within which it is planned to implement a low emission zone (LEZ).

EIT Urban Mobility, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility in urban spaces, has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 2023-2025 Innovation Programme. With a strong focus on accelerating change towards a sustainable mobility model and combatting climate change, EIT Urban Mobility aims to support innovators in developing commercially viable solutions that enhance the quality of life in cities while creating job opportunities and strengthening the European mobility sector.

Since its inception in 2020, EIT Urban Mobility has been actively fostering collaboration and agility in mobility projects across Europe. By partnering with city administrations, research organisations, and businesses, the organisation aims to build a robust urban mobility ecosystem. Now, with the launch of the 2024 Call from their Innovation Programme for 2023-25, EIT Urban Mobility is seeking proposals in three key challenge areas:

• Sustainable City Logistics,
• Energy and Mobility, and
• Future Mobility.

The primary goal is to address pressing issues faced by public, private, and hybrid mass transit providers while promoting innovation in the urban mobility domain.

Importantly, this Call aligns with the objectives of the Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, an initiative that urges cities to accelerate their digital, energy, and mobility transformations in order to achieve net-zero emissions. EIT Urban Mobility supports the mission’s aim of experimenting with urban mobility solutions for a sustainable future. In addition, the organisation actively collaborates with the European Technology Platform – ALICE in relation to the Sustainable City Logistics challenge area, emphasising its commitment to addressing logistics-related challenges and achieving sustainable urban freight solutions.

The Innovation Programme seeks projects that are close to market readiness and capable of testing new solutions through real-life city demonstrations. By the end of the project, these initiatives should demonstrate commercial viability, making a tangible impact on improving citizens’ lives. EIT Urban Mobility’s Business Plan for 2023-2025 outlines nine Challenge Areas that have been identified based on over 250 urban mobility challenges raised by cities across Europe.

In the current call, three areas—Sustainable City Logistics, Mobility & Energy, and Future Mobility—are prioritised, inviting the participation of public, private, and hybrid mass transit providers to drive pan-European innovation and enhance transport services and operations.

In line with the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, EIT Urban Mobility encourages applications from the 112 cities committed to achieving net-zero climate neutrality by 2030. Recognising that the transport and mobility sector plays a pivotal role in cities’ efforts to reach climate neutrality, the organisation actively supports cities in fulfilling their commitments and action plans outlined in their Climate City Contracts. By fostering a cross-sectoral and demand-led approach, EIT Urban Mobility aims to facilitate the transformation of cities into sustainable, climate-neutral hubs.

With the announcement of this new call for proposals, EIT Urban Mobility is eager to expand its partnership network and portfolio of entrepreneurial innovation projects. By harnessing the collective expertise and creative potential of innovators, businesses, and city administrations, the organisation envisions a future where sustainable mobility solutions become the norm, contributing to the well-being of citizens, environmental preservation, and economic growth.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the EIT Urban Mobility website for more information on the 2024 Call and how to submit proposals. The deadline for submission is [insert deadline date]. Together, let us pave the way for a sustainable and inclusive urban mobility revolution.

Interested? Do you have queries?

• For legal, financial and administrative procedures, including questions about PLAZA submission tool: pmo@eiturbanmobility.eu (Programme Management Office (PMO))
• For content, topic-related related questions: innovationcall2024@eiturbanmobility.eu (Innovation Team)

You can also watch all of the recorded webinars that covered the Call’s topics, difficulties, and requirements as well as general procedures including the submission and review process and the PLAZA submission platform. These webinars were held from April 17 through April 20, 2023.

• General info session
• Meet the cities
• Sustainable City Logistics
• Mobility & Energy
• Future Mobility
• Commercialisation and Financial Sustainability
• Guidance to applicants
• Proposal writing

You can find a summary of the above webinars at the end of the call webpage.

You can submit your proposal through the PLAZA Platform until 7 June 2023 at 17:00 CET.

This article was originally published on CCAM. The original blog post can be found here.

The EU’s Climate, Innovation and Environment Executive Agency, CINEA, has released a brochure presenting a comprehensive overview of the Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) projects that it currently manages. These projects are those funded under the first two calls (2021 and 2022) of respective part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation.

New mobility trends and technologies are driving radical change in our transport systems. This change will have a profound impact on the environment, transport users and businesses. Automated transport is a crucial element in this transformation. It has the potential to reduce road fatalities to near zero, improve accessibility of mobility services and reduce harmful emissions from transport by making traffic more efficient.

The EU is investing substantial financial resources to achieve an intelligent transport network, integrating information and communication technologies with transport infrastructure, vehicles and users. While this creates huge opportunities, it also comes with challenges, such as ensuring that the automation of transport happens in a connected, cooperative and safe way.

CINEA is responsible for the implementation of a growing number of EU projects that develop, test and exploit innovative solutions funded under the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe. The EU is contributing around €500 million to support the development and take-up of highly automated and connected driving systems through the programme.

This brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the CCAM projects that are receiving EU funding following their selection under the first two calls of the Horizon Europe programme, so those from 2021 and 2022. The projects cover a range of domains, from data ecosystems to infrastructure support, validation methodologies to environmental aspects, and more.

The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is trialling restrictions on through traffic for three months, during which motorised vehicles will be banned in the inner city. The trial started at the end of April 2023. During the summer, the local authorities will take advantage of the lower traffic levels to undertake major infrastructural works, including the implementation of two new metro stations. Even though it is not yet clear whether the ban will be permanent or temporary, in the short-term, the restrictions are expected to contribute to behavioural changes among people, and encourage them to make more use of sustainable mobility options.

The restrictions have been implemented using three categories of zone. A “red-zone” has been implemented in the city centre in which through traffic is completely banned to motorised vehicles. In this area, which includes the roads on the riverside and Avenida 24 de Julho, between Avenida Infante Santo and Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, only residents or people working in the area will be allowed to circulate.

Just outside of the red zone, in the wider “yellow area”, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can only circulate at night between 8 pm-8 am. Restrictions for HGVs might be extended beyond the summer, although these restrictions do not apply to public transport. In a third area, the “green zone”, traffic that has been diverted from the red and yellow areas will be allowed to circulate. This is a sort of “5th Ring Road”, which will enable vehicles to cross the city avoiding its city centre.

In addition to the construction of the two new metro stations, at the same time the city council of Lisbon plans to implement a Drainage Plan – aimed at reducing floods in the city – as well to re-pave urban roads.

Paris recently introduced its first zero-carbon neighbourhood, Îlot Fertile, in the 19th arrondissement. The neighbourhood includes four buildings with residential units, hotels, shops, offices, and sports facilities, but notably no parking spaces. Built on a former industrial site of 1.3 hectares, the small area demonstrates the potential for creating functional and sustainable urban spaces.

Every aspect of the neighbourhood adheres to sustainable and low-carbon practices, from the layout and design of the buildings to on-site energy production with bio-solar roofs and photovoltaic panels. Locally sourced materials and low-carbon concrete were used in construction, and buildings have an innovative heat recovery system that captures heat from gray water to supply hot water networks. A soft mobility track connects the neighbourhood to nearby train and tram stations, with the track owned by the municipality.

Îlot Fertile also includes a public garden, bio-solar vegetated roofs, vegetable gardens, and almost 30 fruit trees to provide habitat for local flora and fauna. To meet its carbon commitments, Linkcity, the property developer, plans to monitor consumption and heat pump operation in the neighbourhood for ten years and ensure compliance with social integration and sustainable development standards.

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The highly successful fourth edition of #EUCAD2023 concluded with resounding achievements. A remarkable number of more than 600 individuals registered for the engaging two-day event, and over 400 participants attended in person. Beyond the enlightening plenary sessions and breakout discussions, numerous activities were organised to enrich the experience. Notable highlights included the launch of the CINEA publication where the FAME project was featured, which highlighted research projects in the CCAM field funded by Horizon Europe. Additionally, the CCAM Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda underwent an update during the transversal session 2. Furthermore, the conference showcased vehicles from the SHOW H2020 project, such as the Yapes delivery robot, mini-bus, automated car, and shuttle, all of which exemplify automated urban mobility and logistics, while contributing to the advancement of sustainable transportation.

A networking event was organised, together with EUCAR, at the Autoworld Museum, where many CCAM-funded projects were exhibiting.

During the conference’s first day, notable figures such as Signe Ratso from EC DG RTD, Herald Ruijters from EC DG MOVE, and Nikolai Ardey from VW Group Innovation expressed their support for the European mobility roadmap. This roadmap aims to establish sustainable infrastructure and provide digital CASE services. The first plenary session underscored the importance of collaboration among national, European, and international programs to enhance the impact of research and innovation initiatives. By forging a common vision, these efforts can maximise the benefits derived from investments in innovation, thereby propelling CCAM towards widespread adoption in the market and society.

In the second plenary session, the focus shifted towards the significance of collective action among stakeholders, including toll road operators, to realize the full potential of CCAM. The sharing of data emerged as a critical element in advancing CCAM and achieving environmental and societal goals. To enable the success of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), a clear and harmonised legal framework must be established, alongside the development of comprehensive infrastructure.

The first transversal session centred on exploring the synergies between research and deployment funding instruments. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) was highlighted as a vital funding tool for CCAM projects in Europe, particularly concerning infrastructure development.

The second transversal session revolved around the update of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda process and encouraged active participation from all attendees.

Engaging discussions and presentations on CCAM took place during the breakout sessions, sparking numerous questions and debates regarding its potential to promote sustainable mobility. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of road transportation during the transition period, it is crucial for CCAM to become a governmental priority. Moreover, it is essential to recognise that the road transportation system is just one facet of the broader transportation ecosystem. Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop additional business models and use cases becomes pivotal in constructing a more resilient and efficient multimodal transport system.

The conference’s second day commenced with a legislative focus evident in the presentations and discussions of plenary session 3. It was emphasised that the regulatory framework must remain adaptable to keep pace with the rapidly advancing technology in the market. The Vice Chair, Christian Scharnhorst, emphasised the need to learn from the electrification process and apply those lessons to automation. As he stated, there won’t be a second chance, and the winner will claim the rewards.

In the subsequent plenary session, two projects showcased the significance of providing 5G coverage for Connected and Automated Mobility. The implications of this extend beyond autonomous transportation to various industries such as logistics and road safety. It is imperative to revise the regulatory framework to ensure that consumers, stakeholders, and operators can all benefit from it.

The final transversal session of the conference affirmed the pivotal role of the CCAM States Representatives Group in implementing CCAM deployment across Europe. It acknowledged and addressed crucial aspects such as legislative gaps, testing procedures, and the role of infrastructure operators. This approach facilitates the involvement of interested parties and fosters the formation of partnerships.

The last three breakout sessions encompassed a diverse range of topics, including inclusivity, sustainability, efficiency, speed, data sharing, shared mobility, safety, and user demands. To establish secure and trusted widespread adoption of CCAM solutions, multiple use cases need to be explored. These use cases play a critical role in demonstrating the value of CCAM solutions, despite the challenges involved in their implementation. Similar to the first set of breakout sessions, expanding collaboration to involve a broader range of stakeholders is necessary to develop shared definitions and expertise. Harmonisation at every level holds significant importance.

At the conference, it became evident that the CCAM industry has reached a mature stage where standards, regulations, and broad adoption take centre stage. Different perspectives were represented, with some advocating for widespread implementation of CCAM technologies, while others favoured a phased approach. It is important to recognize that both strategies have their merits, and there is room for expanding the utilization of CCAM solutions in what can be described as “islands of opportunity.”

To enhance public trust and confidence in these technologies, further pilot programs, testing, and information sharing are necessary. Fortunately, the conference showcased numerous successful examples of CCAM initiatives, including regulations for automated driving systems, the establishment of 5G connection corridors, alternative solutions for short-range connectivity, and the development of mobility data spaces. These achievements demonstrate the progress being made, with projects like SHOW serving as notable examples of funded research in the field.

Considering the urgency of the matter, it is crucial to share knowledge and experiences to facilitate a smooth and expedient transition to CCAM solutions.

Attendees can access the event’s photo gallery and replay sessions to further explore the valuable insights and discussions that took place during the conference.

See you in 2024 for the EUCAD Symposium (@TRA Dublin) and in 2025 with the fifth edition of the EUCAD Conference!

The city council of Zaragoza has given the green light for the construction a vertiport, a hub for landing and take-off of drones in the city to transport goods and passengers. A first in Europe, according to the city council, which granted a ten-year lease permit for the use of a 7,500 square metres parking area south of the Zaragoza Expo.

The project is being developed as part of the European Commission-supported project for urban air mobility – U-ELCOME. U-ELCOME is to foster Europe-wide U-space implementation by gaining experience with the implementation of U1 and U2 U-space services, namely e-registration, e-identification, geofencing (U1) and flight preparation, flight authorisation, tracking, and integration with conventional air traffic control (U2). For this purpose, demonstrations are being developed across 15 locations in Spain, Italy, and France.

The vertiport in Zaragoza is the first of its kind to be created in the process. The construction and operation of the vertiport should allow gaining experience with the integration of electrically powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) in the urban environment. It also provides an opportunity to test new economic models. One of the first use cases that will be investigated concerns the transport of medical goods by means of drones.

The vertiport may be a first of its kind, but the city and specific site are not new as a testbed for drones. The site is already used as a training and testing ground for drones, hosting the Hera Drone Hub, which has been developed as part of the project Flying Forward 2020, which was also supported with EU funding.

According to the city, the creation of the drone hubs will provide new means for efficient and sustainable intermodal transport, shortening travel times drastically in the process. In addition, the city expects the project will contribute to creating knowledge and employment in Zaragoza, attracting companies to carry out high-tech validations, qualified employment and companies that want to complete the certification phase.

The promoters of the project have stressed that “Zaragoza becomes a scalable and exportable benchmark to other cities as an applicable example from the point of view of services, public-private collaborations and business models“.

The European Commission has released a new brochure featuring CCAM projects managed by CINEA and funded through the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation in 2021 and 2022. These projects cover various domains, including data ecosystems, infrastructure support, validation methodologies, environmental aspects, and more.

FAME, along with other innovative CCAM EU-funded projects, is proud to be included in this brochure, which can be downloaded here. The brochure provides an overview of the FAME project on page 31.

Diverse roadmaps on Intelligent & Connected Vehicles have been released in recent years from different countries and regions, led by respective industry organisations as well as governments, playing a crucial role in the alignment among all sectors.

The International Communication and Cooperation Committee of ICV Roadmaps, co-chaired by the CCAM Partnership Chair Armin Graeter, published now the “White paper: ICV Roadmaps: A Worldwide Perspective“. The white paper outlines the main contents of these diverse ICV roadmaps, drawing on input from the corresponding committee members. This paper then synthesizes the expected conclusions and respective characteristics among them, and the best practices of the roadmaps, with excellent insights provided throughout by the participants.

The white paper was released during the International Communication and Cooperation Committee of ICV Roadmaps Workshop on 5 May in Brussels.

This article was originally published on CCAM. The original blog post can be found here.

Norfolk County Council is set to start piloting deliveries using 10 e-cargo bikes from 1 July 2023. The pilot scheme will run until at least March 2025 and invites businesses of Norwich city centre to borrow the vehicles for deliveries to customers.

The fleet will include electrically assisted bicycles, tricycles and quadricycles, and is financed by a £170,000 subsidy from the UK government’s Air Quality Grant pot for local councils to prevent pollution.

The County Council expects that the e-cargo bikes help reduce nitrogen dioxide and carbon emissions equivalent to 10 conventional vans (if the vehicles are in use for five days a week). For the businesses, benefits predicted to be seen include lower operating costs compared to delivery vans.

Businesses are now invited for a consultation to define the details of the scheme at www.norfolk.citizenspace.com.