Transformando La Movilidad Sostenible | Encuentro de CIVINET Iberia en Sevilla 2023

In the culturally rich and historically significant city of Seville, recognized as the 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism, the “Transformando La Movilidad Sostenible | Encuentro de CIVINET Iberia en Sevilla 2023” event took place. Acting as both a precursor to the European Commission's Urban Mobility Days and a nexus for regional ideas on sustainable urban mobility, the gathering offered participants valuable insights and engagement opportunities. The event, situated within the framework of the regional CIVITAS Initiative network and featuring CIVINET Iberia , shed light on existing urban mobility challenges while discussing the potential for sustainable mobility to improve urban tourist experiences. It served as an active platform for reflection, idea exchange, and the introduction of innovative proposals aiming at smarter, more efficient, and sustainable urban mobility practices.

The occasion was presented in both Spanish and Portuguese by the Ambassadors of CIVINET Iberia, Daniel Vega Díaz , the Technical Secretary of the Red Espa?ola de Ciudades Inteligentes (RECI) , and Nuno Alexandre Cunha , the Operational Director of the Associa??o Quadrilátero.

Seville’s Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

Kicking off the event, Antonio Casta?o Juncá , General Manager of Turismo de Sevilla , emphasized Seville’s commitment to sustainable mobility, aligning with imminent initiatives and the forthcoming Urban Mobility Days. The city has embarked on transformative mobility projects, including significant traffic reduction in central areas and the creation of new connective routes, unveiling Seville’s splendour while fostering deeper engagement from both residents and tourists.

Key improvements include enhanced connectivity from Prado de San Sebastian to Santa Justa, offering direct transit for Santa Justa arrivals. Unlike many European cities with airports distant from their centres, Seville boasts a centrally located airport, soon to be the world's first with an adjacent bike lane.

Proud of its sustainability efforts, the city offers 180 km of bike lanes, 272,000 bike stands, and various bike rental services. Casta?o encouraged attendees to experience Seville’s allure by foot, highlighting its extensive historic centre and walk-friendly climate. The city is thus presented as a treasure trove for those willing to explore its streets, reflecting a harmonious blend of accessibility and sustainability commitment.

Charting a Sustainable Path: An Introduction to CIVITAS and the Vision of CIVINET Iberia

Following the welcome, Mariza Motta Queiroz,PhD of U-Shift introduced the CIVITAS Initiative, highlighting its alignment with the European Green Deal’s vision for sustainable, decarbonized urban mobility. CIVITAS serves as a collaborative platform where cities across Europe share knowledge and insights, working together to promote sustainable mobility through a community-focused approach.

A showcased CIVITAS project from Lisbon emphasized understanding and fostering sustainable urban mobility habits, incorporating workshops, innovation hubs, awards, and efforts to instil sustainability from a young age. This initiative also highlighted the importance of integrating different public transport modes and utilizing Living Labs in cities for testing new mobility technologies and innovations.

Jo?o Petinga Almeida , Coordinator of CIVINET Iberia in Portugal, then outlined the goals and structure of CIVINET Iberia. Born from the strong alliance and shared commitment between Spain and Portugal, CIVINET Iberia is a network dedicated to reimagining sustainable urban mobility. It provides a collaborative space for cities to tackle challenges innovatively, disseminate knowledge, and share best practices.

CIVINET Iberia not only encourages innovation but also aims to influence policy to position urban transport as vital for global environmental conservation. Supporting capacity building in cities of both nations, appointed Ambassadors, recognized for their contributions to public service and mobility, actively guide the network towards sustainable mobility goals in the Iberian region, connecting members and promoting the CIVINET culture.

Mobility and Tourism: How does urban mobility influence the tourist experience?

The agenda moved to the first Round Table, focusing on the intersection of urban mobility and tourism. Moderated by María Eugenia Sánchez Sánchez of Ayuntamiento de Sevilla. , with four brilliant experts from the Ayuntamiento de Madrid , U-Shift Lisbon, TUSSAM Seville, and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) , the discussion explored the coexistence of mobility and tourism, tourists’ behaviours, planning's role in enhancing tourist experiences, and the significance of smart tourism through digitalisation.

• Madrid's Approach:

Lola Ortiz Sánchez from Madrid noted the city's structured Tourist Mobility Plan, with daily initiatives encouraging public transport and expanding bike lanes, although tourist bike usage is lower than in Seville. Special events, like Christmas lighting, significantly influence tourist mobility in the city.

• Seville's Urban Changes:

Maria José Comino shared Seville's transformation through pedestrianizing central zones, introducing cleaner transport modes, and focusing on train-centric transport. Initiatives include developing high-capacity electric BRT lines, enhancing airport lines, and providing online ticket purchasing options, aiming to create a more liveable city for both residents and tourists.

• Tourism Pressure in Lisbon:

Mariza Motta highlighted Lisbon’s tourism pressure and the need to meet the daily passengers and tourists' needs. She advocated for diversified tourism, public transport segmentation, structured data use, and digitalization for smarter operation and worker training.

• Public Transport in Barcelona:

Montserrat Pérez Adrián discussed the usage dynamics of shared bicycle services and the subway system in Barcelona by residents and tourists respectively. She noted the introduction of orthogonal bus lines and the HolaBarcelona brand, simplifying public transport use from the airport to the city.

• Digitalisation's Role:

Digitalisation was unanimously seen as crucial for simplifying public transport for tourists by providing real-time occupancy information, integrating transport options into one application, and offering translated information through intelligent cards and labels.

• Balancing Needs:

‘Tourism-phobia’ was acknowledged, with careful planning and efficient coordination during major events, clear communication, and immersive cultural experiences deemed essential for balancing the needs of tourists and residents while recognizing tourism's economic importance.

On-Demand Transportation: How Alhaurín de la Torre Reinvented Its Public Transport

As the agenda continued, Antonio Vázquez Olmedo from Autocares Vázquez-Olmedo and Franco Rosso of ioki , a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, took the stage to present a Use Case that demonstrated how on-demand transportation services can significantly enhance the efficiency and user experience of public transport systems. These services are agile, responding effectively to varying user demands. On-demand transportation is not only user-friendly but is also cost-efficient, with several applications available that offer services tailored to user needs, such as payment options, reservation systems, and integrated views of the transportation system.

This model of transportation has shown to be particularly beneficial in rural areas, where traditional services may be limited. For example, in Cuenca, on-demand services have effectively connected 112 localities through 15 bus lines, transforming the transportation experience for residents. In larger metropolitan areas like Hamburg, these services have garnered acclaim for efficiently catering to the demands dispersed in peripheral zones, attracting passengers who own private vehicles due to their convenience and efficiency.

In the specific case of Alhaurín de la Torre, the town’s public transport underwent a transformation. Originally with only two microbuses, the town introduced on-demand services to replace three low-traffic bus lines. This change, which was precipitated by the reduced bus use during the pandemic, resulted in a more streamlined and popular service, marked by a significant increase in younger users. With required reservations, this system also provides secure and controlled services during nighttime. For those who may struggle with technology, the service introduced a telephone line to ensure accessibility for all residents, reflecting a careful and inclusive approach to service design. This innovation in transport was well-received by the community, garnering positive feedback from residents and support from the mayor, ultimately earning recognition through the National Mobility Awards.

Seville as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023: The Keys to Success

Federico Rollán and Javier Sánchez García from the Turismo de Sevilla shared insights into why Seville won the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2023, highlighting the city’s use of creativity, technology, and collaboration to create a unique tourism experience. The presenters discussed Seville's strategic shift towards emphasizing its unique cultural heritage while also integrating smart tourism models and practices.

Rollán and Sánchez pointed out that Seville is crafting a distinct tourism identity by not only showcasing its rich heritage but also providing experiences unique to the city, distinguishing it from other destinations in Spain. Seville is developing an intelligent tourism model that doesn’t rely solely on isolated projects. Instead, it integrates various horizontal strategies that intertwine with ongoing initiatives in the city, resulting in a comprehensive smart tourism strategy.

They also introduced “Smart Talks”, a knowledge-sharing platform showcasing Seville's innovative approaches to smart tourism and allowing the city to learn from global best practices. This initiative serves as both an educational tool and a marketing strategy to position Seville as a unique tourist destination.

The presentation emphasized the need for intelligence to be embedded across all municipal sectors and highlighted the importance of partnerships with universities and the private sector. This collaborative approach supports the deployment of multi-sensors throughout the city to collect valuable data, including WiFi usage patterns and crowd movement. Seville is utilizing geo-referencing in data collection, crucial for developing prototypes and sustainability indices, as the city constructs its set of sustainability indicators to continuously assess and evaluate its progress in the smart tourism landscape.

Shared Mobility: Strategies to Reduce Private Vehicle Use

The event continued with a Round Table discussion led by Cristina álvarez Requena PhD. from Las Rozas Innova with contributions from a distinguished panel comprised of Rui Velasco of IMT - Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes , Adur Ugartemendia Leunda of Ayuntamiento de Beasain, Jorge de Martín from Bicimad ( EMT Madrid ) and ignasi gomez belinchon representing IN-MOVE by Railgrup . Together, they explored strategies and shared insights on reducing private vehicle use through the implementation and encouragement of shared mobility options.

Rui Velasco started the discussion by stressing the need for a mobility model that benefits all citizens and freight without relying heavily on individual transportation. With nearly a third of trips in Seville's region being under 2 km, he highlighted shared mobility as a vital component for sustainable transport, especially considering the imperative to address climate change.

Adur Ugartemendia presented on efficient mobility in Beasain, discussing considerations not only for internal travel but also for journeys to and from the municipality. He emphasized reclaiming public spaces, creating supportive infrastructure for bicycles, and providing benefits for car-sharing and car-pooling initiatives.

Jorge de Martín emphasized the importance of shared bicycles in Madrid’s overall mobility strategy as a way to improve air quality and address environmental concerns. Shared mobility, especially bicycles, is a core part of their approach to sustainability.

Ignasi Gómez-Belinchón talked about viewing mobility through the lens of algorithms and commitment. He highlighted that shared mobility is not only about individual choices but also about managing territories and optimizing solutions for larger environments.

The panel also discussed the importance of public-private collaborations and regulations. Ignasi underscored the need for combining successful mobility solutions to facilitate shifts towards public transportation. The discussion acknowledged the importance of timely political decisions to implement solutions efficiently and effectively.

Regarding the lessons learned, the panel shared experiences from past challenges and mistakes, ranging from infrastructure issues to the need for standardized data across administrative levels. They also discussed the operational and efficiency differences between private services like Uber and public transportation in various countries.

When asked about current challenges, Ignasi described sustainability in public transport as a complex issue. Adur noted that many residents in smaller municipalities still prefer cars for short trips, emphasizing the need for competitive public transport options. Jorge mentioned ongoing electrification efforts in Madrid as part of their strategy.

To overcome future obstacles, the panel identified the need for attitude changes among the public and improvements in services, with Jorge mentioning necessary upgrades to older Bicimad stations. Adur observed public mistrust and low community engagement in organized mobility events, indicating areas for improvement.

In her conclusion, Cristina álvarez pointed out that each location has unique mobility needs and challenges, emphasizing the necessity for tailored approaches to shared mobility solutions.

Open Debate: How to influence behaviours and attitudes related to transportation choices?

The event concluded with a spirited open debate led by Pedro Moreira from Município de Braga . This discussion explored various strategic initiatives aimed at nudging public attitudes and behaviours towards embracing sustainable transportation choices. The dialogue yielded several significant outcomes:

• Flexible Policies Requirement:

Participants underscored the importance of crafting policies that are not only adaptive but also flexible, uniquely tailored to meet the varying demands of each urban context. Such policies, rather than being restrictively stringent, should be supportive and accommodating of the dynamic, ever-evolving facets of urban mobility, thereby creating an environment where individuals feel encouraged to voluntarily adopt changes in their transportation habits.

• Reduction in Vehicle Usage:

There was a unanimous agreement on the imperative need to cut down on the reliance on private vehicles within urban spaces. This initiative is seen as a pivotal element in not only alleviating urban congestion but also promoting a culture that is more inclined towards eco-friendly mobility.

• Strategic Urban and Inclusive Planning:

Participants agreed that effective and strategic urban planning plays an integral role in subtly yet effectively influencing public behaviour. Urban planning should prioritize public and shared transport, discourage excessive use of private vehicles, and encourage walking and cycling. Within this framework of urban planning, there was a strong emphasis on the necessity for inclusive planning. Inclusive strategies ensure that the transit needs of all community members are considered, making sustainable transportation accessible and the preferred choice for all, which in turn facilitates widespread adoption of sustainable transit habits.

• Public Participation:

Engagement and participation from the public in the planning and decision-making processes were deemed crucial. When the public feels included in the decision-making process, there is a higher likelihood of them supporting and adapting to proposed sustainable transportation initiatives.

• Education and Communication:

Clear communication and education were identified as crucial in the endeavour to shift public attitudes and behaviours towards more sustainable practices. Through effectively communicating the myriad benefits of sustainable transportation and enlightening the public on the detrimental impacts of reliance on vehicles, there's a greater chance of securing public backing for sustainable initiatives and inducing positive behavioural changes.

• Challenges in Cargo Transportation:

The debate brought attention to the need for efficient and sustainable cargo transportation solutions. Given that cargo transportation significantly contributes to the broader spectrum of urban transportation challenges, developing efficient and sustainable cargo transit solutions is not only environmentally imperative but also serves as a practical demonstration to the public, showcasing the tangible benefits and feasibility of sustainable transit options.