The SMARTA-NET Project hosted its second in-person event in Évora (Portugal) with the aim of bringing together rural municipalities, experts, and practitioners to explore innovative approaches, share best practices, and identify financing mechanisms to enhance rural mobility.

Over the 15th and 16th of May, participants engaged in discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions on financing rural mobility schemes, sharing experiences with funding programs, and exploring strategies for securing additional resources inspired by case studies of successful rural mobility schemes. Site visits were also organised on the 14th.

An additional focus was on sharing practical strategies for mainstreaming rural mobility, improving connectivity with inter-city and regional bus networks, enhancing access to healthcare and other essential services, increasing ridership, and building capacity for mobility planning and management. A special session to discuss the future of the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN), focusing on its scope, governance, services, etc., was also organised. The event aimed to empower participants to advocate for rural mobility issues and drive positive change in their communities.

The event primarily targeted ERMN members, which included rural municipalities and “multipliers” organisations, such as regions, counties, Leader Action Groups, etc. ERMN members received personalised invitations. Those eager to join were encouraged to fill in a form expressing their interest.