The SUM Project was officially launched in Lille, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for urban mobility in Europe. Hosted by Inria, the French research institute and coordinator of SUM, the project’s kick-off event witnessed the convergence of consortium partners and the support of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), represented by Marjolein Salens, the SUM Project Officer.
The SUM Project, composed by a coalition of European cities, universities and research centres, mobility providers, and network organizations has set ambitious goals. By 2026, it aims to revolutionize transportation across 15 European cities, with plans to extend its reach to 30 cities by 2030. The project’s vision is to foster a new era of shared mobility, seamlessly integrated with existing public transport networks.
This initiative is not just about enhancing mobility; it’s a comprehensive approach to urban transformation. Cities participating in the SUM project will evolve into innovative, intermodal, and interconnected hubs. The focus is not only on making these cities greener and safer but also on ensuring they are resilient and can be replicated as models for sustainable urban development worldwide.
At the heart of the SUM project’s inaugural event, a series of dynamic discussions and meetings unfolded throughout the day, underlining the collaborative spirit and innovative thinking driving the initiative. Key topics included the integration of cutting-edge technology in public transport systems, strategies for reducing urban congestion, and methods to enhance the environmental sustainability of city transport networks. The project’s launch featured a detailed discussion of all Work Packages, led by their respective leaders through various presentation. Experts from various European cities shared insights on challenges specific to their locales, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. A notable focus was on engaging local communities in the transition process, ensuring that the shift to shared and public transport is inclusive and meets the diverse needs of city residents.
Addressing the need for a shift in urban mobility, the SUM project is a response to the anticipated growth in urban populations, which are expected to represent 82% of the world’s population by 2050. This demographic change presents significant challenges for sustainable urban mobility, necessitating a move from private cars to public and shared transport options. The EU-funded SUM project aims to transform existing transport networks by integrating New and Shared Mobility (NSM) with public transport, paving the way for a new landscape of urban mobility in Europe.
Central to the project’s philosophy is the commitment to affordability and reliability. The consortium understands that the success of this transformative journey hinges on the tangible benefits it brings to end-users. By redefining urban mobility, the SUM Project aims to create a more sustainable, accessible, and efficient future for European cities and their residents.
