How can we increase multimodality and how can we implement smart mobility management in the cities.multimodal partner cities? The first step of the answer on this question certainly is: Let’s have a closer look at the situations regarding these central elements of sustainable urban mobility. This would build a basis for developing measures tailored to the specific conditions and challenges of the cities.
In the project this initial step is called “Preparatory Analysis”. Led by the scientific project partner Technische Universtiät Berlin and by the lead partner, the Hanseatic City of Rostock, cities.multimodal developed a unique approach to accomplish this activity: Indicators to assess both conditions – referring to multimodality as well as to mobility management were compiled and sent to the cities in three consecutive guidelines. These guidelines contained the indicator descriptions and methodological advice to realize the data gathering on site. The phases differed in two aspects: the information sources and the degree of information depth. In the first phase the status quo should be assessed by doing a simple desktop research on general thematically relevant data, the second phase goes a little bit more in depth and involves interviews with local experts. Finally – in the third phase – the information from phases 1 and 2 should be proven by data gathered in broader surveys with the local population and task groups.
Altogether around 80 indicators and questions to be addressed to the experts, task groups and citizens were suggested to the cities for their adaption to local languages and conditions. Currently most cities have finalized this data gathering. Now they have a basis to analyze them for different purposes:
- Get an idea of the status quo of multimodal transport and mobility management in cities.multimodal partner cities and pilot areas which represents the first step of the SUMP cycle
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in multimodality and mobility management
- Identify a pilot area for multimodality and of a pilot institution for mobility management
- Draft or adjust local multimodal transport concepts to the findings
- Identify or specify target groups for mobility management measures
Additionally TUB and the city of Rostock will analyze the information that was sent by the cities in order to identify transferable approaches, programmes, projects and measures (best practice) to enable mutual learning. And also to ensure a common understanding among project partners about Multimodality and Mobility Management. The first results from this analysis will be ready in autumn. They will also be published in the ‘Planners Handbook’ that will be the central outcome of cities.multimodal.
Text: Michael Abraham, TUB
Photo: City of Riga
