The event framework was set by institutional greetings and strategic insight given by high-level representatives and keynote speakers. The conference was opened by:
Mr. Dal Mas, CEI Secretary General
Mr. Volponi, Director of the Public Transport Service – Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Mr. Ritt, Representative of Joint Secretariat – Interreg Central Europe
Mr. Coppola, EUSAIR Transport Pillar Coordinator.
After the opening session, Ms. Peeters, Programme manager from European Commission – DG REGIO, presented the role of the EU Border Focal Point in improving cross-border accessibility and public transport connectivity across EU border regions.
During the scaling up session, the core outputs of the SUSTANCE project were presented, showcasing innovative approaches and solutions for enhancing regional and cross-border mobility. Mr. Kranjec from Institute of Traffic and Transport Ljubljana talked about Transnational action plan for better cross-border public transport connectivity, while Mr. Grasso from Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation presented the Transnational action plan for improved ICT solutions for flexible, demand-responsive and intermodal public transport. Mr. Dianin from Eurac research explained the Long-term strategy for promoting cooperation and better governance of public transport in Central Europe, with emphasis on realistic solutions.
Expanding on the topic of a common transport area in Central and SE Europe, Mr. Lasica, Rail Policy Coordinator from the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, elaborated on priorities for regional mobility and integration in connecting Western Balkans.
Round table “Building partnerships for sustainable public transport” followed, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among institutions, operators and experts. Experiences were exchanged, challenges identified, and joint actions explored to ensure lasting impact and policy continuity by:
Mr. Fletcher, Fletch Rail Advisory
Mr. Gobbi, Romagna Mobility Agency
Ms. Luketić, Croatian Railways Passenger Transport
Mr. Maratini, Transport Engineer
Mr. Marinutti, Trenitalia
Mr. Normanno, Emilia Romagna Region
Mr. Peulić, Slovenian Railways Passenger Transport.
The event was closed by the project partners, each providing reflections and talking about future cooperation perspectives. They also talked about, from both personal and institutional aspect, past experiences, new ideas, expectations and knowledge gained in the field of sustainable public transport.
We use this opportunity to thank all the participants of the conference and project!