The spatially more efficient and more sustainable public transport networks could be developed by using different tools for the purpose. Cities may take steps for enhanced network or route optimisation (such as Osijek and Paks), or to provide demand response transit for connecting peri-urban and urban areas (such as Modena and Grosuplje) or by using alternative, lower emission fuels (such as Pécs and Český Krumlov).
The key point of all the above is having a look at a zoning maps of each city concerned. This provides the baseline facts of the relation of public transport and urban planning. And notably, it points out ways of improvement.
The exact way of improvement is based on analysing the operation of the public transport network. Key points here are: spatial demographic data, public transport operational indicators, public transport demand, public transport financial indicators and the public transport planning itself should be observed and analysed.
When all the above are done, then best practices assist the further harmonisation of the planning processes for tighter alignment between urban (spatial) and public transport uses.
The OPTI-UP partnership elaborates the above complex situational analysis by the end of July 2024. Following that, the derivation of project level and Central Europe relevant findings are due.