The themes of polisMOBILITY

Municipal Mobility Transition

Municipalities play a key role in the mobility turnaround, as they play a decisive role in determining local strategies and control. They must play their role in interaction with other stakeholders and satisfy the needs of citizens with a diverse, comprehensive range of services. It is precisely in spatial issues that the balancing processes and interests involved in shaping the mobility transition crystallise.

Local Public Transport and Mobility Services

Tomorrow’s mobility services will be multimodal, digitally connected, sustainable, shared – and, above all, simple and affordable. Public mobility must be provided in a way that connects conventional means of public transport with new mobility services as seamlessly as possible. This will offer users maximum flexibility while meeting the demands for efficiency and sustainability. Digital platforms are essential in the drive to seamlessly connect different public and private sector operating models.

Last-Mile Logistics

The transport transition does not end with individual mobility or passenger transport. Goods transport and (pinpoint) delivery services contribute to inclusion and the provision of basic services; however, they account for a large part of the volume of traffic on already overloaded roads. Last-mile logistics must now focus on rolling out the many successfully trialled projects with an end-to-end and area-wide approach. To achieve this, planning processes and timelines must be adapted to the pace of the CEP market.

Vehicles and Drive Technologies

Future-proof mobility solutions require technological innovations. Electric microcars and autonomous people movers are just two examples that are revolutionising conventional concepts of vehicles. In order for such new solutions to be deployed to serve mobility in urban and rural areas, technology neutrality must be enshrined as existing regulations are adapted. We must push ahead with the development and networking of infrastructure and technologies – a new understanding of purpose must drive innovations.

Urban Sector Coupling

The decarbonisation of the energy sector can succeed only if electricity and heat supply, the needs of industry and transport are coordinated and connected. In order for e-mobility to play a significant role in the energy transition in transport, sufficient charging points must be provided. The Urban Sector Coupling theme block will address cross-sector solutions at the local authority level and potential cooperations between local energy suppliers, distribution system operators, industry partners and consumers. In our holistic approach, climate-friendly mobility solutions are always a prerequisite. The special focus topic Charging & Charging Infrastructure will play a key role here.

Digitalisation

Data and digital solutions are behind almost all user-friendly applications – from synchronising traffic lights for cyclists to easy booking for on-demand services. Digitalisation has the potential to make urban transport simpler and more efficient. Embracing the digital transformation is essential if we are to take urban mobility forward and towards greater sustainability. To this end, new business models must be developed and understood, and resilient infrastructure created – by local authorities and the economy working in tandem.