MemEx leading a consortium composed by the University of Aberdeen (UK) and the three companies Vectos (South) Limited (UK), Transport & Mobility Leuven NV (BE) and European Integrated Projects SRL (RO) participated to and won the tender n° MOVE/B4/2017/473 launched by the European Commission – Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) titled “SMARTA – Sustainable shared mobility interconnected with public transport in European Rural Areas”. The project, lasting two years, aims to exploit existing mobility options and explore ways to support sustainable shared mobility interconnected with public transport in European rural areas.

SMARTA presents a very exciting opportunity to conceptualise, identify and pilot ‘smart transport services’ in rural areas, gain a deep understanding of the nature and the evolution of mobility needs for diverse rural populations and assess how sustainable, shared mobility systems can help enhance mobility and travel experiences.

In particular, the project aims to:

  • Analyse and compare the challenges of mobility in rural areas and the market and the policy context in each of the 28 EU countries (including selected EEA states, North America and Australia)
  • Identify current and emerging good practice across all the EU Member States and assess the needs and mindsets of rural population;
  • Develop real-life services where innovative digital solutions and shared mobility services will be tested on at least two pilot sites;
  • Devise, plan and implement an awareness-raising strategy about sustainable shared mobility interconnected with Public Transport in European rural areas.

The project kick off meeting will be held in Brussels on the 25th May with the presence of the project officer.