The 2026 edition of the Sustainable Transport Award is now open for nominations. Each year, the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP) and the Sustainable Transport Award Committee select a city that has implemented innovative sustainable transportation projects in the preceding year.
Since 2005, the Sustainable Transport Award (STA) has recognized leadership and innovative vision in sustainable transport and urban livability around the world. The cities honored by the STA have implemented strategies which have improved mobility for millions of people, with reduced transport-related emissions, and enhanced safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians.
Successful nominations clearly demonstrate innovation, leadership, and progress in advancing sustainable transport, with particular success in five key thematic areas:
Public Transport
Cycling & Walking
Travel Demand Management
Sustainable Urban Development
Urban Freight
For the 2026 award, nominations will be evaluated based on projectsimplemented between October 1, 2023 and March 31, 2025. Nominations are open until May 1, 2025.
Nominations can be made here, and you can find out more about the STA here.
A UK shared transport charity has issued a response to the Account Commission’s recent assessment on the progress of Scotland’s sustainable transport initiatives.
The Commission’s findings suggest that the Scottish Government is “unlikely” to meet its ambitious target of reducing car kilometres driven by 20% by 2030, and lacks a clear plan to achieve this goal.
Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK (Collaborative Mobility UK), expressed disappointment at these findings, stating that they were unsurprising given the absence of a concrete strategy to support the Scottish Government’s admirable target. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that the time lost without a comprehensive action plan was concerning. However, Dilks remained optimistic that, with the right measures, significant progress could still be made.
Increased car use surpassing active mobility growth
The report also highlights a concerning trend of increased car use in Scotland following the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with a decline in public transport usage. Despite efforts to promote active travel, such as walking and cycling, the pace of growth in these areas has not been sufficient to offset the rebound in car use. This shift underscores the need for more sustainable transportation alternatives.
CoMoUK recommendations for promoting sustainable transportation in Scotland
CoMoUK believes that expanding shared transport services could help mitigate this issue. Dilks pointed out that initiatives like shared bike schemes and car clubs could reduce the demand for private car use, making short trips more accessible and environmentally friendly. Such schemes, he explained, not only contribute to lower carbon emissions and less congestion but also offer substantial physical and mental health benefits for users.
In response to the challenges identified in the report, CoMoUK has called for an increase in shared transport schemes, including the expansion of car clubs and bike-sharing programs. Dilks further proposed that Scotland could lead the UK by creating a comprehensive network of mobility hubs. These hubs would facilitate seamless integration between various modes of transport, including shared transport, public transit, and active travel options, creating a more interconnected and sustainable transportation system.
CoMoUK’s comments underscore the critical need for coordinated action to achieve Scotland’s sustainability goals. While the challenges remain significant, the charity’s response suggests that innovative solutions such as shared transport can play a key role in addressing the current gaps and moving towards a more sustainable future.
Residents of rural areas in the UK could benefit from smoother and more frequent transport, following a recent announcement of government funding
Small businesses representing eight separate projects have each won £150,000, as part of the Rural Transport Accelerator Fund, which aims to support the development of innovative concepts for improved rural transport, and in turn boost community well-being, and help to support rural jobs and local economies.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, said, “People who live in rural areas have unique needs when it comes to transport, and we’re always looking for ways to improve connections across the country. Through our funding, these projects will shake up the way rural transport is delivered, using the latest innovations to help residents see their friends and family, do their weekly food shop or attend hospital appointments.”
The £1.2m grant is delivered in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult (CPC), the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport and place leadership. CPC CEO, Erika Lewis, said, “I am delighted to welcome eight exciting companies onto the Rural Transport Accelerator. Their innovations and technologies promise to make a real impact for people living in rural areas, and I look forward to following their progress through the programme over the coming months.”
This year, the scheme called for solutions to several challenges that rural areas face, including the importance of rural roads for everyday journeys, aiming towards a sustainable future, enabling innovation in rural mobility, advancements in agricultural transportation, and driving adoption of technology in rural areas.
Among the winning projects:
You.Smart.Thing: trialled in Warwickshire, the development of an AI tool to offer shared, demand-responsive or community transport options for those without access to cars.
UrbanTide: trialled near Fife, mapping rural hospital patient journeys with the aim of identifying barriers to health services access, and to support health providers in enhancing rural transport services.
Alchera Technologies: trialled by Norfolk County Council, the use of data insights to create a behavioural travel model, with the aim of helping local authorities with rural mobility decision making.
Civil Water Management: trialled by Milton Keynes County Council, the installation of new drainage systems utilising recycled car tyres, to aid safer cycling along flood-prone sections of cycle routes.
As European cities grapple with growing challenges in urban mobility, the urgency for sustainable and innovative solutions has reached a critical point.
A recent report from the Expert Group for Urban Mobility (EGUM) outlines essential strategies for financing public transport and shared mobility across European cities, regions, and Member States. The goal is to secure the long-term viability of the European transport sector and mobility systems while adhering to the environmental targets established in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, which include reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban growth.
The report delves into the funding requirements alongside current funding programs for urban public transport. To ensure high-quality public transport, sustained long-term funding is necessary to support both revenue and capital expenditures that enhance or expand the quality and reach of public transport in urban areas and their surrounding regions. The authors stress the importance of integrating traditional public transport with emerging shared mobility services to build a robust urban mobility ecosystem. Achieving this integration demands strategic policies and financial backing at all levels of governance.
The report presents a dozen key recommendations, drawing primarily from the experiences of twelve exemplary case studies. The authors advocate for prioritizing public transport investments within all EU funding programs and streamlining access to these resources. By ensuring a consistent influx of financial support, the report posits that cities can more effectively transition their local public transport fleets and infrastructure towards greener alternatives. This strategy can be bolstered by the establishment of dedicated public transport funds, long-term government grants, and public-private partnerships, all of which provide the financial stability necessary to foster innovation and growth in the sector.
The report emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and synergy among different funding sources to optimize their impact. It points out the necessity for local and regional authorities to engage actively in the decision-making processes concerning EU-funded projects. Their participation would significantly boost the effectiveness and outcomes of urban transport initiatives, ensuring that financial resources are allocated wisely to fulfill both local and European objectives.
In summary, the report asserts that a well-resourced and strategically designed public transport system is essential for fostering sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban mobility across Europe. By prioritizing long-term investments and innovative funding strategies, Europe can create a future where public transport and shared mobility are central to urban living.
The Urban Mobility Observatory, ELTIS, presents the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan case study of Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, is experiencing rapid growth which is contributing towards a strained transport system, and unappealing livability. Despite being a desirable place to live and work, increased congestion and air pollution challenges this. To combat these issues, Sofia is taking action to transition towards a more sustainable mobility system, a complex task given the population’s persistent perception of cars as essential and/or prestigious. The city employs a collaborative approach, focusing on information sharing and cooperation to gradually foster sustainable transport solutions and behaviors.
Sofia, the country’s economic hub, produces around 43% of Bulgaria’s GDP. Officially, it has about 1.3 million inhabitants, but estimates put the actual number between 1.6 and 1.8 million due to unregistered residents and commuters from nearby cities. Many commuters travel by car to the city center, where much of the economic activity is centered. High traffic has led to daily congestion and increased levels of air pollution. Car ownership has surged over the past three decades, with 663 cars per 1,000 inhabitants. The number of vehicles registered per capita in Sofia is one of the highest in Europe. A large proportion of the vehicles in use are older and therefore more polluting, the area has significant air pollution issues. It is estimated according to recent studies, that the health and economic costs of air pollution are equivalent to more than 10% of the city’s GDP.
Objectives
To address these challenges, Sofia adopted a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) in 2019. The SUMP aims to achieve 5 main objectives by 2035:
To reduce the negative consequences of transport development for the population and the environment.
To enhance the attractiveness of the urban environment and increase the living standards of the population.
To implement transport innovations to strengthen local mobility and economic development.
To foster the safety of the population in the city’s transport system.
To build an integrated and accessible-to-all transport network.
Residents can also contribute to the development of the SUMP through an interactive platform designed to allow people to submit their suggestions for projects or activities, in addition to providing feedback for planned actions.
To achieve these objectives, the plan recognizes that there need to be attractive alternatives in place to persuade people to make more sustainable mobility choices, including the development of existing walking and cycling networks.
The Plan In Action
Several initiatives were launched including, expanding cycling infrastructure from a 55.5km bicycle network in 2019 to 160km by 2025, introducing on-demand green public transport, and constructing a ‘Green Ring’ cycling path encircling the city center, thus improving mobility to over 30 neighborhoods. Currently, 5 major cycle lanes are under construction.
Sofia has also adopted a programme for pavement renovations, as well as stricter parking enforcement throughout the city. The parking policy in the city’s new SUMP employs the idea that parking is a service that uses public resources and should therefore not be free, in 2021 controlled parking zones were significantly extended, and it is planned that the increased revenues from this will be used to fund pavement renewal, and public transport investments.
Improving public transport is a key requirement to increase its usage. Sofia plans to gradually invest in transport services including buses, trams, and a metro. Over the past decade, Sofia’s metro network has extended significantly, with the latest extension opening in 2020. The network currently consists of 4 lines and 47 stations.
Additionally, the Bulgarian capital is pioneering toward a green public transport fleet, in addition to the development of an integrated ticketing system. Special tickets have been introduced giving the public free access to the city by public transport when air pollution is either high or extremely high in an attempt to further discourage car usage. A unique initiative is the ‘Sofia Coin’ mobile app, which encourages active transport by rewarding users for choosing eco-friendly modes including, cycling, walking, and scooters. The data collected from the app is fed into mainstream mobility infrastructure planning.
To further curb increasing car ownership, shared mobility services are also encouraged. Sofia is part of European projects like SUSMO to promote shared mobility deployment and public-private sector cooperation. The city’s Digital Transformation Strategy supports mobility management, including the development of platforms for car-pooling, flexible pricing models, and real-time data-driven transport planning.
Looking to the Future
While the long-term impact of the SUMP is still unfolding, Sofia’s approach to data-driven cooperation, and sustainable infrastructure development, provides valuable insights for other cities grappling with similar mobility challenges. Achieving sustainable mobility is a work in progress and there is no doubt more can be done. Previous actions may help with future actions including the introduction of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Previous attempts to implement this have failed in the past, but in 2023 a decision to try again and create a LEZ zone was approved.
There has been improved awareness amongst the public and stakeholders due to the actions of the STUMP regarding the importance of taking action to reduce traffic and the air pollution it causes. Simaltanously, a start has been made in developing transport alternatives. Providing drivers with high quality sustainable mobility options will help reduce how dependent the public are on cars.
Sofias STUMP has created a vision of alternatives for its residents, with each implemented action the alternatives improve, and people have more sustainable options.
Challenges, Opportunities, and Transferability
While every city is unique, attempts to replicate strategies do not necessarily guarantee success, Sofia offers valuable insights that could benefit other locations. Sofia’s method of collecting and sharing data has not only furnished vital information for planning and decision-making, but has also fostered better collaboration among stakeholders from diverse policy domains, and the private sector. Engaging with the private sector can stimulate the creation of novel mobility innovations, which should be evaluated based on their alignment with public policy objectives.
Digital tools for mobility services also play a crucial role in driving behavioral change. These innovative applications have garnered substantial media attention and heightened awareness about viable mobility solutions. Nonetheless, in the absence of basic mobility infrastructure, and effective policies to deter excessive car use, it is unlikely that a large shift in transport modes will occur. The SUMP does however, set the course for an integrated approach. Starting with its development, each progressive step outlined within the SUMP moves the city closer to implementing measures for enhanced sustainable mobility.
How can we ensure that the growth of urban populations in European cities doesn’t lead to increased traffic, congestion, and pollution? The solution lies within mobility management, which offers adaptable strategies to promote sustainable transportation in diverse local contexts.
Both Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and mobility management share the common goal of encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation methods. Mobility management measures are integral components of any comprehensive SUMP.
To support urban planners and transportation practitioners in this process, the third Policy Support Group of the CIVITAS ELEVATE Coordination and Support Action has produced a Topic Guide on the Integration of Mobility Management for both Public and Private Organizations into SUMPs. This group includes experts from five organizations: European Platform on Mobility Management, Klimaaktiv mobil, Tisséo Collectivités, Alba Iulia Municipality, and Gdansk Municipality. It also involves the CIVITAS Policy Advisory Committee, TRT (Trasporti e Territorio), and stakeholders from the mobility management sector.
Within the SUMP Topic Guide, a set of key recommendations is presented, accompanied by diverse examples of successful practices from across Europe. These examples underscore the advantages of effectively incorporating mobility management for both public and private entities into SUMPs across five critical domains: urban development, governmental bodies, businesses, education institutions, as well as the tourism and recreation sectors.
The Topic Guide is an integral part of a compendium of EU guidance materials, complementing the revised second edition of the SUMP Guidelines.
Europe’s leading sustainable urban mobility event returns in 2023, after a record-breaking 2022 conference.
The annual event provides an opportunity for cities and regions to showcase their transport achievements to a large audience of mobility experts, practitioners, and decision-makers, both public and private.
Regarding the host city, and current President, Leuven, the Polis Network shared: “Leuven, Belgium, is a mission-driven city that excels through inspiring governance models and the systems put in place for the public to innovate and get involved in critical decision-making processes. Dynamic and diverse, Leuven is at the forefront of innovation: indeed, the European Commission awarded the city as the 2020 European Capital of Innovation for its unique cooperation model — one that unites residents, institutions, and organisations and allows them to co-innovate, test, and apply groundbreaking solutions to fight climate change, foster the quality of life and education, and promote a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive mobility system.“
A new study assesses micromobility progress, benefits, challenges, policy, and more in relation to the UN’s SDGs.
Cities across the world are increasing their focus on creating connected, sustainable transport systems. A key framework for development in the 21st century is the United Nations’ SDGs, which aim to secure sustainable cities and communities, amongst other goals. New research from A.G. Olabi et al., published in the International Journal of Thermofluids, explores the roles of micromobility in reaching these ambitious goals.
Research Abstract: “Micromobility is dominant in urban areas, enhancing transportation sustainability and assisting in fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review provides an overall assessment of micromobility: its role under SDGs, policy options, standards for data, micromobility regulations, emerging technologies, utilisation determinants, energy source, and energy storage for micromobility applications. The analysis shows that micromobility could play a major role in achieving the SDGs, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing projected traffic accidents. Also, the effect on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by reducing the transportation footprint, on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by increasing transposition accessibility, reducing traffic congestion and improving the air quality, and equally on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing transportation footprint and increase the sources efficiency. Moreover, the analysis shows a clear gap in literature and publications on micromobility, especially in the area of energy management and energy storage. Furthermore, this review shows that new technology of renewable energy and energy storage, such as fuel cells, could play a significant role in achieving the sustainability of micromobility, therefore, achieving the SDGs.”
The latest draft Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) guide aims to provide guidance to urban mobility practitioners, policymakers, school management, and both public and private employers who wish to implement mobility management measures in their jurisdictions.
The latest SUMP guide from Eltis is currently in draft form and will focus on five main areas where transport planning can better include mobility management: urban developments, public authorities, companies, the education sector, as well as the tourism and leisure sectors. Each sector will be fully explored, outlining key recommendations, and examples of excellent practice from across Europe.
“The first draft of the Topic Guide has been developed by the Policy Support Group of the CIVITAS ELEVATE Coordination and Support Action, which consists of experts from five organisations (European Platform on Mobility Management, Klimaaktiv mobil, Tisséo Collectivités, Alba Iulia Municipality, Gdansk Municipality), the CIVITAS Policy Advisory Committee, TRT (Trasporti e Territorio), and a group of stakeholders from the mobility management sector.
The public is warmly invited to participate in the consultation process. Public consultation is an important step of the process, as it allows stakeholders to contribute to the development of the Guide, as well as ensure that it is relevant to all urban mobility actors.”
To contribute to the SUMP Guide’s public consultation, visit the Eltis website, here. The window for feedback is open until Tuesday 13 December 2022.
