The OPTI-UP project has reached another important milestone in its mission to support more efficient, accessible and sustainable public transport systems in small and medium-sized cities across Central Europe. Four new deliverables have been published, presenting the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of pilot actions carried out in the six project areas: Modena, Grosuplje, Osijek, Paks, Pécs and Český Krumlov.
The pilot activities focused on three key areas for the future of urban mobility: Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), public transport network optimisation and alternative fuel technologies.
The newly published reports provide a detailed overview of the pilot actions implemented across the project areas.
In Modena and Grosuplje, the focus was on Demand-Responsive Transport solutions aimed at improving accessibility in low-demand areas through more flexible, efficient and financially sustainable services.
In Paks and Osijek, pilot activities concentrated on public transport network optimisation, testing route and timetable adjustments designed to better respond to local mobility needs and improve service coverage.
Meanwhile, Pécs and Český Krumlov explored the use of electric vehicles in public transport, assessing their contribution to energy efficiency, passenger comfort, service quality and environmental sustainability.
The results show that all tested solutions proved technically reliable and operationally effective. At the same time, the pilot experiences highlighted that the success of new public transport services depends not only on technology, but also on practical and organisational factors. Clear communication with users, well-located stops, carefully designed timetables, easy-to-understand information and stable financial support were identified as critical elements for successful implementation.
The monitoring activities also confirmed the value of transport data and modelling tools in supporting evidence-based decision-making during the planning and design phases of new mobility services.
The pilot actions generated valuable insights for the replication and transfer of innovative transport solutions in other cities.
The DRT pilots demonstrated that flexible transport services can significantly improve accessibility in low-demand areas, particularly when vehicle capacity is aligned with actual passenger demand.
The network optimisation pilots showed that targeted adjustments to routes and schedules can effectively address specific mobility gaps and improve overall service performance.
The alternative fuel technology pilots confirmed that electric vehicles can operate reliably in small and medium-sized cities, including areas with challenging geographical conditions.
The Comprehensive Evaluation Report brings together and compares the results from all six pilot actions, identifying strengths, challenges and practical recommendations for scaling up the tested solutions. Key conditions for long-term success include stable funding mechanisms, flexible contractual arrangements, adequate infrastructure, reliable data and the early involvement of citizens, operators and local authorities.
By publishing these deliverables, OPTI-UP provides cities, public authorities and transport operators with a valuable knowledge base and practical evidence to support the transition towards smarter, cleaner and more efficient public transport systems.
Available Deliverables
