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Description
In SmartMOVE case that is Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) with the capital city Ljubljana. LUR is thus becoming the area with the most traffic and the area with the largest negative externalities of mobility in Slovenia, which indicates the structural challenges of sustainable mobility in Slovenia, which the proposed project directly addresses. In this context, the project addresses the challenges of sustainable mobility in Slovenia (with an emphasis on Ljubljana), namely: (1) the number of passengers in urban and road public transport has been declining since 2017; (2) 41% drop in passengers carried by rail; (3) a 10% increase in the number of passenger cars over the last decade; (4) the share of carpooling (7%) lower than the EU average; (5) Ljubljana as the busiest traffic hub in the country (more than 120,000 people come from elsewhere). The main goal of the project is to limit negative environmental externalities resulting from unsustainable forms of mobility, to which the project contributes by developing mobility plans for sustainable mobility management in high-traffic locations and improved sustainable mobility management in Slovenia. The specific objectives of the project are: (1) to sett up 2 pilot lines of dynamic group transport; (2) draw up 5 sustainable mobility plans for businesses and award certificates in the field of sustainable mobility; (3) empower at least 2,000 employees and 50 employers regarding the importance and feasibility of using sustainable mobility modes of transport to and from work.
Summary of project results
The SmartMOVE project (Smart mobility measures for sustainable mobility in Slovenia), focused on promoting sustainable mobility in the Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) and across Slovenia, tackled several critical challenges. One of the foremost issues was the steady decline in public transport use. Encouraging a shift back to public and shared transport, besides the uses of bikes, was one of the key hurdles for the project.
In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s busiest commuter hub, where more than 120,000 people travel in daily, heavy congestion and high air pollution levels pose serious health and environmental concerns. SmartMOVE aimed to tackle this by introducing dynamic group transport options (shuttle) and encouraging the use of more sustainable commuting options for both local and regional journeys.
The project also faced challenges in uniting various stakeholders and promoting widespread behavioral change. Implementing sustainable mobility in such a complex setting required collaboration among a wide range of participants, including businesses, public institutions, research organizations, and international partners. Achieving this level of coordination was essential to develop effective mobility plans, pilot innovative solutions in dynamic shuttles, and produce impactful policy recommendations. At the same time, raising public awareness (especially among employees in Ljubljana urban region) and fostering behavior change around transport habits was crucial.
The SmartMOVE project implemented multiple strategies to promote sustainable mobility in Ljubljana Urban Region. One of the key activities involved developing mobility plans tailored to large institutions (namingly University Medical Center Ljubljana, IKEA Slovenia, d.o.o., BTC shopping area, Studio Moderna, d.o.o., and the area of the Ljubljana Marshes Landscape Park as a protected heritage site), which often generate high traffic volumes. These mobility plans were carefully crafted to reduce single-occupancy car usage by encouraging sustainable travel options like walking, cycling, and public transport. By decreasing traffic congestion and enhancing safety around the institutions, these plans not only benefit the institution’s immediate area but also improve traffic flow on surrounding roads. Additionally, employers received training sessions to effectively implement these mobility plans, giving them both group and individual guidance on sustainable mobility management.
A standout initiative in SmartMOVE’s efforts was its pilot program for dynamic shuttle, which offered flexible and convenient group commuting options for residents from nearby areas, such as Kranj and Kamnik - Domžale - Trzin area, to major locations like University Medical Center Ljubljana and BTC shopping area in Ljubljana. Running over three months, this free service let users choose convenient pickup times, enhancing both accessibility and satisfaction. It was tested with 131 users commuting to major locations in Ljubljana, making around 8000 transports alltogether. User feedback highlighted that 73% of the dynamic shuttles were participants who previously relied on their own cars, with the testing dynamic shuttle service seen as a practical, low-stress alternative that reduced emissions significantly. This dynamic commuting approach demonstrates the potential for scalable shared transport solutions in heavily trafficked urban regions like Ljubljana urban region.
To increase awareness and knowledge of sustainable transport, the SmartMOVE project conducted workshops and training for over 300 employers and employees. These educational sessions covered practical steps for adopting greener commuting practices, like cycling, carpooling, and using public transport. By equipping employees with this knowledge, SmartMOVE empowered them to make informed travel choices that benefit both the environment and their finances. For employers, the training sessions provided insights into developing corporate policies that support sustainable commuting, enhancing their environmental credentials and boosting sustainability awareness within the workplace.
The SmartMOVE project created tailored mobility plans for five large institutions in Slovenia. As a result, these organizations could reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide healthier travel options for employees. The plans also benefited local communities by reducing traffic buildup and improving air quality in surrounding neighborhoods, showcasing a model for sustainable traffic management in urban areas.
A dynamic shuttle pilot practice was also a key feature of the SmartMOVE project. This flexible shared commuting system provided commuters from areas with limited public transport access a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving solo. Not only did this reduce personal fuel expenses and stress from driving, but it also cut down vehicle emissions, benefiting both the companies and the environment by reducing the need for large parking spaces and cutting CO2 emissions. The pilot’s success highlighted the potential for dynamic shuttles to become a permanent sustainable transport option for daily commute in Ljubljana urban region.
SmartMOVE further extended its impact by creating a series of educational videos and webinars on sustainable transport options, made available for free on YouTube. These resources benefited not only project participants but also the general public, spreading knowledge on how sustainable commuting practices can reduce emissions and support a greener lifestyle. Employers were able to use these videos to reinforce sustainability practices within their teams, and employees could access practical tips on reducing their commuting footprint. This open-access educational content has contributed to a broader understanding and acceptance of sustainable commuting methods across Slovenia.
An important long-term outcome of the project was the development of the SmartMOVE Sustainable Mobility Certificate. This certification is designed to recognize companies that actively promote sustainable mobility among employees, reinforcing their reputation as environmentally conscious employers. The certificate supports companies in tracking and improving their sustainable mobility practices, creating a structured path for organizations to achieve meaningful progress in reducing their carbon footprint. For employees, working at a certified company fosters pride and motivation to participate in green initiatives, while policy makers gain a reliable framework for identifying and rewarding organizations committed to sustainable mobility.
Summary of bilateral results
Having Nordland Research Institute (NRI) as a partner from a donor state greatly enhanced the scope and impact of the SmartMOVE project. NRI’s deep expertise in sustainability and innovative mobility solutions (more in the peri-urban areas) brought a valuable new dimension to the project, helping SmartMOVE integrate effective environmental and social solutions. With a strong background in both national and international projects, NRI shared its knowledge in sustainable mobility and interdisciplinary research, adding critical depth to the project. NRI’s input ensured that SmartMOVE followed best practices worldwide, aligning the project with the highest standards in sustainable urban mobility. The partnership with NRI also promoted valuable international knowledge exchange, offering fresh insights from Norway. As a partner in the Norwegian Research Centre on Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation (Noradapt), NRI brought to SmartMOVE advanced frameworks for addressing urban mobility in a climate-sensitive manner. NRI’s involvement gave SmartMOVE both credibility and a broader perspective, bridging the gap between research and policy. By incorporating international best practices, NRI ensured that SmartMOVE’s recommendations were backed by thorough research and effective real-world examples. Their contributions emphasized how critical multilateral partnerships are for tackling global challenges like climate change and urban mobility. As a seasoned research institution, NRI brought rigor to the project, supporting SmartMOVE in crafting sustainable, innovative solutions that resonated with both European and global sustainability goals.