The Coimbra Living Lab pilot has taken an step towards sustainable mobility with the activation of its innovative on-demand transport service as part of the SUM Project. This project was celebrated during the European Mobility Week. The event, designed to engage local citizens, also through the press, represented a significant milestone in the promotion of more sustainable transport solutions in the region.
The event kicked off with two presentations aimed at informing and involving the local community. Residents had the opportunity to learn about the new on-demand service, which operates by appointment and is available on weekdays, serving several locations across the region. This service aims to provide more flexible and accessible public transport options, especially in low-density areas where traditional transport services are limited.

Following the citizen presentations, the official launch of the service took place, after which a conference on “Shared Public Spaces – The Challenge” commenced. During the conference, Melissa Quaresma Gama, part of the partner Câmara Municipal de Coimbra, presented an overview of the pilot and the broader objectives of the SUM Project. Amalia Nikolopoulou, from SUM technical coordinator NTUA, then provided insights in a dedicated smart talk session.
The Coimbra pilot is designed to reduce the region’s high motorisation rate, where private car usage currently stands at 70%. The objective is to increase the use of public transport and encourage non-motorised travel. Furthermore, the pilot seeks to improve mobility management and promote modal integration, including ticketing and fare systems. By doing so, it aims to make public transport more accessible to residents in sparsely populated areas, some of whom live over 600 metres from the nearest transport stop.