The project’s core objective is to develop a strategic foundational document delineating the areas, practices, opportunities, and challenges in implementing a circular public transport. A specific strategy for integrating circular economy aspects into public transport for Maribor will be devised, supported by a demonstration pilot by Municipality of Maribor.
Participants were divided into three working groups, focusing on the sectors of vehicles, infrastructure, and energy. The workshop involved a thorough review of starting points, actions, and objectives, which were then assessed for their importance.
The main outcomes of the event are the following:
VEHICLES:
- Current practices predominantly use internal combustion engine vehicles, with a shift towards more efficient vehicle/component use (recycling, reuse).
- Vehicle procurement and management strategies align with existing laws and environmental policies, including the adoption of EURO-6 emission standards and the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Maintenance practices aim to extend vehicle lifespans, although often at the expense of meeting current environmental recommendations. The use of recycled materials in maintenance is minimal.
ENERGY
- Fossil fuels dominate, with administrative barriers to renewable energy adoption impacting energy source choices.
- Initial high costs for electric public transport exist, with efforts toward electrification and energy-efficient infrastructure implementation being slow.
- Strategies include the use of green energy sources in public transport alternatives and realistic energy transition planning.
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Stakeholders are incentivized to incorporate circular principles in infrastructure development, though established practices often overlook circularity.
- Infrastructure maintenance is adequate, but often driven by short-term financial aspects, with little emphasis on energy efficiency.
- Efforts to extend infrastructure lifespan include planned retrofitting and the use of durable, “green” materials supported by regulatory acts and financial incentives.
Based on the outcomes, the main goals are to:
- Increase the lifespan and utility of the vehicle fleet to reduce emissions and material footprint.
- Enhance material/component recycling at vehicles’ end-of-life, maximizing component reuse and recycling rates.
- Transition to green energy, minimizing fossil fuel consumption and integrating renewable energy sources.
- Develop and implement strategies for the efficient use and reuse of energy throughout the public transport lifecycle.
- Incorporate durable materials with verified origins in new infrastructure, standardizing procedures, and promoting the reuse/recycling of decommissioned infrastructure materials.