Stakeholder Mapping and User Perception of Mobility Management for Commuters and Students: A Comparison of 7 Case Studies in Central Europe – the GreenPATH Project

The GreenPATH project is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing sustainable commuting challenges in Central European Functional Urban Areas (FUAs). It focuses on students and employees, promoting innovative and green mobility solutions through co-designed strategies, action plans, and pilot projects. The project involves 11 public administrations, mobility agencies, operators, universities, and research bodies, along with 12 associated partners. Its primary goal is to reduce private vehicle dependency, improve air quality, and enhance commuter well-being by encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes such as public and shared transport, cycling, and walking. GreenPATH emphasizes the importance of stakeholder mapping and engagement to ensure the success of its initiatives. Stakeholders, including commuters, local administrations, businesses, and public transport operators, are identified and mapped based on their power and interest. Commuters and local governments are the most frequently identified stakeholders, with influence levels varying across pilot regions. This mapping process helps tailor strategies to the specific needs and challenges of each region. Awareness- raising campaigns are accompanying activities of the project. These campaigns aim to educate communities about the benefits of sustainable transport and provide information on available transportation options. Real- time information and personalized travel options are also offered to improve the commuting experience and encourage the adoption of sustainable modes of transport. Based on the results of the user surveys in the 7 pilot areas, the project highlights the need for improved infrastructure to support sustainable commuting. Key recommendations include better lighting, enhanced cycling paths, and pedestrian-friendly conditions to improve accessibility and safety. Gender-specific and accessibility-focused improvements are emphasized to reduce barriers for all commuters. Behavioral aspects, such as improving car drivers’ attitudes towards cyclists and pedestrians, are also identified as areas for improvement. Despite a general willingness to adopt sustainable commuting behaviors, only a small percentage of respondents have participated in mobility management initiatives before the GreenPATH project kicked of. This indicates the need for customized activities such as challenges and to improve awareness of available services and infrastructure. GreenPATH promotes role modelling by encouraging frequent users of sustainable transport modes, such as cyclists and public transport users, to share their experiences. This approach aims to inspire others to adopt similar behaviors, contributing to reduced private car usage and lower CO2 emissions. GreenPATH leverages transnational cooperation across countries like Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia to develop scalable solutions and formal agreements for long-term implementation. This collaboration helps overcome national legislative barriers and ensures the development of applicable mobility management tools across the region. The project’s outputs include collaborative solutions for sustainable mobility, a comprehensive strategy, and action plans for each FUA, which are expected to be endorsed by decision-makers to ensure their adoption and long-term impact. Acknowledgement: This work was carried out as part of the GreenPATH project, co-funded by the Interreg Central Europe Programme under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).