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In recent months, the SMARTA-NET team has worked with the ERMN Lighthouse Sites and Members to gather information on two key themes. We take this opportunity to share preliminary findings with the ERMN members. The first theme deals with our extensive survey about travel patterns and attitudes in rural areas, and whether/how these may have changed post-COVID. In the past few months, about 3,000 people in 11 countries have responded to the SMARTA-NET in-depth survey. We are currently analysing the responses at both individual country level and across countries and we will now share and discuss the early findings.
The second theme builds on the World Café session on aspects of financing rural mobility held during our ERMN meeting in Èvora (Portugal) on 14-16th May. Over 80 members gave their inputs and experience on five key themes. We have synthesised the inputs into a set of insights, opportunities and challenges, which we will converse in the webinar. These contribute to our guidance document on financing rural mobility, which we will publish later this year. We will take the opportunity to also share the initial concepts of the guidance.
When: 3rd of July 10:00 -13:00 (CET)
Venue: Online on Zoom platform
10:00 – 10:05
Welcome and introduction to the webinar by Brendan Finn, MemEx
10:05 – 10:35
Insights into travel patterns and attitudes following COVID pandemic, and have they changed?
Ramnicu Sarat (Romania) by Geert Koops, Panteia
Bigues and Riells, Catalonia (Spain) by Laura Valladares, TIS
Vidzeme (Latvia) by Anita Balogh, E40
Kusel District (Germany) by Rieka Oldsen, NIT
10:35 – 11:25
Breakout groups on selected topics
1. “Understanding the difference between Rural and Urban Mobility: Insights from the SMARTA-NET Survey” moderated by MemEx
The workshop will showcase the key findings of the SMARTA-NET Mobility and Tourism Behavior survey, with a focus on the differences in travel behaviour between residents of rural areas and those of urban areas or historic towns. By drawing insights from interviews conducted in Narni, Italy, and Kilkenny, Ireland, the workshop will test specific hypotheses regarding different travellers’ attitudes, such as their use of different means of transport, and their perceptions of public transport services. The aim is to create recommendations for improved policies and planning related to rural mobility.
2. “Tourism and Transport: Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability in Rural Destinations” moderated by NIT
The focus of the workshop is on tourist mobility in rural regions. On the basis of the recent SMARTA-NET survey, the participants will get an overview about the tourist mobility situation and the attitudes of the inhabitants of two lighthouse sites. Afterwards, we will learn about the implementation of measures which shall lead to a more sustainable tourism mobility in rural areas: Mobility cards and optional tickets of Kaprun-Zell am See (Austria) and the project SMILE24 which ensures innovative, emission free mobility 24 hours a day without own car for locals and tourists at the Baltic See Coast in Germany.
3. “Promoting Sustainable Mobility: Attitudes towards and Barriers for Sustainable Mobility in Rural Areas” moderated by TIS
Environmental concerns are often reflected in mobility behaviour, with some individuals adopting eco-friendly transport options. However, behaviours often remain unchanged due to barriers like limited public transport, inadequate cycling and walking infrastructure, long travel distances, cultural attitudes, and insufficient information. By addressing these barriers, the workshop aims to uncover the challenges and tailor mobility solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and aligned with the specific needs and preferences of different regions.
11:25 – 11:35
Summary for the breakout groups by Geert Koops, Panteia
11:35 – 11:45
Coffee break
11:45 – 12:05
Insights from the World Café session in Evora by Eleonora Ercoli, Elena Bargagna, MemEx
12:05 – 12:10
Pillars of the SMARTA-NET Guidance on Financing Rural Mobility by Andrea Lorenzini, MemEx
12:10 – 12:40
Panel discussion by Brendan Finn, MemEx
12:40 – 12:50
Reflections on the themes and discussions by Brendan Finn, MemEx
12:50 – 13:00
Update on coming events and activities by Eleonora Ercoli, MemEx
