Train on a platform. Green mobility. Public transport.

SUSTANCE

Project overview

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Leaving the car at home remains challenging for people in sparsely populated areas close to borders. Too often, there are simply no satisfying public transport offers available. The SUSTANCE project involves a wide range of transport stakeholders to co-design innovative mobility services and governance schemes that will help public authorities to change this. In this process, the partners deploy amongst others customised intervention action plans in pilot regions.

2,01m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

4

Countries

7

Regions

8

Partners

6

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

43%

About the project

What is the challenge SUSTANCE project is tackling? Citizens living in rural or peripheral areas of Central Europe are facing inadequate connectivity. They face fragmented transportation networks and lack of sustainable public transport solutions, particularly at the cross-border level. In the same time European policies look toward a greener and smarter future, by supporting, among others, actions aimed at promoting the development of sustainable public transport solutions. It is to provide all citizens with equal public transportation services and access opportunities. What will SUSTANCE project do about it? In close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, test innovative pilot actions in cross-border regions of Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia. (1) We will set basis for introducing a new cross-border train service between Croatia (Pula-Buzet) and Slovenia (Divača). (2) We will introduce a new cross-border train service connecting Italy (Trieste, Villa Opicina), via Slovenia (Divača, Pivka), with Croatia (Rijeka). (3) We will extend until Sopron the cross-border train service linking Austria (Neusiedl am See) with Hungary (Fertőszentmiklós). (4) We will develop demand responsive transport application in Italy (Romagna Region), including ICT application for planning, booking and e-ticketing. (5) We will develop interactive ICT app for Istria Region (Croatia), that will display all private and public transport services in one place. (6) We will invest in a web portal and mobile app to promote and increase the use of railway services and bicycles in Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. (7) We will invest in shared mobility solutions by installing bike/scooter sharing points in Istria region (Croatia). All of these actions will pave the way to the adoption of long-term action plans and solutions.

Project partnership

Project partners

Italia (IT)

Lead partner

Central European Initiative - Executive Secretariat

Project Management Office
Address
Via Genova, 9
34121 Trieste
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.cei.int

Project partner

Institute for Regional Development
Address
Viale Druso 1
39100 Bolzano
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
https://www.eurac.edu/en
Total partner budget
230,700 €
Address
Mátyás király u. 19
9400 Sopron
Country
Hungary (HU)
Web
www.gysev.hu
Total partner budget
266,657 €
Address
Strojarska Cesta 11
10000 Zagreb
Country
Croatia (HR)
Web
www.hzpp.hr
Total partner budget
252,792 €
Address
Mletačka 12/4
52100 Pula
Country
Croatia (HR)
Web
www.ida.hr
Total partner budget
194,600 €
Address
Viale Aldo Moro 38
40127 Bologna
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.fondazioneitl.org
Total partner budget
266,100 €
Address
Kolodvorska 11
1000 Ljubljana
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
https://prometni-institut.si/
Total partner budget
254,780 €
Address
Kolodvorska street 11
1000 Ljubljana
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
www.slo-zeleznice.si
Total partner budget
233,500 €

Roadmap

1

Challenge

People in sparsely populated areas use their cars too often, because there are not enough public transport solutions that suit their needs.

2

Problem

Cars are polluting our environment and are not contributing to a greener future, like public transport.

3

Idea

Image by Mike Renpening from Pixabay

What if we developed services and tools that would make trips with public transport easier?

4

Solution

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

We will introduce new cross-border rail services and IT tools to facilitate the travel with public transport.

5

How

Firstly, we will talk to relevant stakeholders to get their inputs and involve them in our activities. We are also studying the regions where the services and tools are to be implemented, to better understand the context and real needs. Finally, we will implement services and tools, involving more than 50 stakeholders in their development.

6

Proof

In the 12 months of operation, our goal is to increase the number of people using public transport.

7

Impact

Our mission is contributing to a greener Europe and improving quality of people’s lives.

8

Follow our work

Join us in connecting Europe and preserving environment for future generations!

News

Events

Pilot actions

Outputs

Transnational action plan for better cross-border public transport connectivity

This comprehensive document will be drawn following important outcomes of the SUSTANCE project. The inputs for it will include (1) accessibility assessment of the regions and routes selected in the project, incorporating the experience gained with the (2) implementation of new or improved passenger services and solutions at cross-border level. It will also build on the activity of design, adoption and dissemination of (3) roadmaps, plus on (4) the long-term sustainability guidelines for solutions. Indicative timing: March 2026
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Transnational action plan for better ICT solutions for public transport

This comprehensive document will be drawn following important outcomes of the SUSTANCE project. The inputs for it will include (1) accessibility assessment of the regions and routes selected in the project, incorporating the experience gained with the (2) implementation of new or improved ICT public transport solutions at regional and cross-border level. It will also build on the activity of design, adoption and dissemination of (3) roadmaps, plus on (4) the long-term sustainability guidelines for solutions Indicative timing: March 2026
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

New/improved cross-border public transport rail services and innovative ICT tools for improving passenger mobility

After assessing accessibility of chosen routes and regions and taking into account stakeholders feedbacks gathered during a year, as well as the outcomes of the peer review, 6 pilot actions will test innovative solutions in the field of cross-border public transport rail services and ICT tools for improving passenger mobility in CE. This means that we’ll first ask the scientific community, practitioners and public transport managers, and then decide in how to develop and implement our solutions. Indicative timing: March 2025
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Long-term sustainability guidelines for better connectivity & smart mobility solutions

After the testing phase of our solutions is finalized, we will draft a document that sets the basis for their long-term replicability, so that other institutions can avoid our mistakes and capitalize on our success. We will also analyse what are the key elements for the sustainability of these solutions, because we want to make a long-term positive impact. Indicative timing: September 2025
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Long-term strategy for promoting cooperation and better governance of public transport

Following up on the outcomes of the accessibility assessments, created roadmaps, report on innovative governance schemes and consultations with stakeholders, we will draft a document that aims at promoting cooperation and better governance of public transport in Central Europe. It will elaborate on “to do” steps for improved public transport management and tools and methods needed to succeed in this mission. Indicative timing: March 2026
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

SUSTANCE

The project lead partner is responsible for the content of this project website.

Project on social media

Project Contacts

Project Manager

Paolo Dileno
Phone: +39 040 7786769

Finance Manager

Ana Aligrudic
Phone: +39 (0)40 7786 773

Communication Manager

Zrinka Marchioli
Phone: +385 99 7021 598