Ghent to Amsterdam: SMAPE advance shared mobility solutions
The SMAPE (Shared Mobility Action Plan for Europe) project recently convened in Ghent and Amsterdam for a series of meetings, bringing together European urban mobility experts and stakeholders. Over three days, the project partners delved into a rich agenda covering policy reviews, methodology development, and stakeholder engagement, developing the course for the future of shared mobility in European cities and regions.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork in Ghent
The event kicked off with a comprehensive presentation on the Ljubljana Urban Region, a follow-up to the initial SMAPE kick-off meeting. This set the stage for the internal SMAPE meetings, focusing on two main areas:
Internal Review and Financial Reporting: Discussions centered on the experiences and feedback from the project's first semester. A major highlight was the near-complete submission of finance reports by partners, though approvals from several controllers are pending.
Joint Methodology and Policy Learning: Autodelen.net presented a proposal for a unified methodology in shared mobility programs, emphasizing the need for a structured approach. POLIS then elaborated on the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform, underscoring its vital role in the project's success.
The day concluded with a best practice session, where partners shared their successes and challenges, providing a real-world perspective on the implementation of shared mobility strategies.
Day 2: Amplifying Stakeholder Voices in Ghent
The second day was marked by engaging discussions with external stakeholders. Representatives from Hoppy and Lantis shared their insights, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay between public and private entities in urban mobility and the shared bike system in Antwerp Transport Region. This was a unique opportunity for SMAPE partners to understand the diverse perspectives and challenges faced by various stakeholders in the shared mobility sector.
Day 3: Exploring Amsterdam's Mobility Landscape
The final day saw the SMAPE group traveling to Amsterdam, where they were hosted by the city. The day was packed with presentations from local and national mobility experts, including insights into Amsterdam's shared mobility strategies and the national Green Deal on shared mobility. This was also an excellent way to create synergies with another Interreg project, in this case the ShareDiMobiHub project focusing on increasing the introduction and uptake of shared mobility hubs. A visit to the central railway station's bicycle parking facilities provided a practical look at Amsterdam's approach to integrating bicycles into its urban transport network.
Looking Ahead: Communication and Collaboration
Key takeaways from the meeting included the emphasis on joint responsibility in communication and dissemination strategies for the SMAPE project. The need for a comprehensive communication plan, including a newsletter and a website, was highlighted, with partners encouraged to actively contribute content.
As the SMAPE project moves forward, the insights and collaborations fostered in Ghent and Amsterdam are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of shared mobility in European cities. The meetings underscored the importance of continuous dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive strategies in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility solutions.