Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-10-08

Description

Description (EN):

The SUSTANCE project helps to solve the lack of efficient and sustainable public transport solutions in peripheral and cross-border areas of Central Europe which have been registering for the last decade a relevant increase of mobility, especially at cross-border level. In fact, citizens living in sparsely populated areas are sharing the same challenges as regards the lack of public passenger solutions thus leading to an increasing dependency on individual mobility and private vehicles. To change this, cooperation is central since a coordinated and jointly developed approach between CE countries, regions and sector stakeholders could ensure that the CE passenger transport and mobility system benefits from the advantages of new technological and innovative approaches and from the setting up of new cooperation schemes deriving from the transnational partnership. To achieve this the project approach will be based on an innovative methodology with Public Transport accessibility of rural, peripheral and cross-border areas being assessed to identify existing gaps and posing the ground for supporting the setting up of new innovative services. Close monitoring, assessment and peer review methodology as well as the design, development and implementation of innovative pilot activities and derived joint solutions will lead to the validation of customized intervention roadmaps that will be deployed in cooperation with relevant stakeholders of the concerned territories in a bottom-up approach. These roadmaps will be afterwards endorsed by Partners and Associated Partners and a special focus will be dedicated to the transferability and replicability of the achieved results. Finally, cooperation with the Associated Partners will support the setting up of a long-term strategy for promoting cooperation and better governance of Public transport in Central Europe and the creation of the SUSTANCE transnational cooperation network, with the final aim of promoting the sustainability of the tested initiatives even after the project lifetime.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Following the project's Kick-off meeting in April 2023 and throughout its initial phase, the SUSTANCE consortium focused on defining the methodology for knowledge-based accessibility assessment of rural, peripheral, and cross-border areas and conducting public transport accessibility assessments of the involved routes/regions. To ensure effective coordination among partners, operational transparency and proper project communication, on 29 September 2023 partners engaged in the Transnational online Conference, which was a first opportunity to involve institutions and stakeholders to share best practices and common challenges in addressing public transport connectivity issues in peripheral, cross-border, and sparsely populated areas. In addition, project partners worked on co-designing six innovative piloting activities with the support and considering the recommendations of three internationally renowned external experts as peer reviewers. The Pilot Actions Plans constitute the basis for the implementation of 6 experimental activities within the SUSTANCE project in the upcoming periods, three of which are focused on improving cross-border rail connections and 3 on developing ICT Tools to increase the accessibility of public transport solutions. SUSTANCE partners are well on track with all planned activities, including the involvement of the territory's stakeholders, which may ensure the long-term sustainability of the pilot actions. The SUSTANCE partnership finalized the process of accessibility assessment in defined project areas, resulting in five regional and one transnational report. It identifies common strategic priorities to improve accessibility in rural, peripheral, and cross-border areas across the SUSTANCE regions and forms the basis for future coordinated interventions. To further support the transferability and replicability, SUSTANCE online tool for public transport accessibility was developed, to evaluate route accessibility and support interregional knowledge exchange. It is currently undergoing testing to verify functionality and content quality and will be later shared with the wider public. The partnership successfully implemented six pilot activities testing innovative passenger transport solutions and services to improve connectivity with rural and peripheral areas. New/improved cross-border passenger transport services were successfully tested in IT-SI-HR (train Villa Opicina-Rijeka; feasibility study on train connections Divaca-Buzet-Pula) and HU-AT (train Neusiedl am See-Fertőszentmiklós-Sopron), while targeted ICT-based public transport solutions were developed in IT (digitalised DRT services in Emilia Romagna) and in HR (webpage Train’n’Green for bike and rail services; app enhancing sustainable mobility in Istria) and are in operation. Furthermore, two bike/scooter-sharing stations were installed in HR (Vodnjan and Svetvinčenat), located near the Pula–Buzet railway. A strong co-design process involved project partners, local stakeholders and external experts, all engaged to ensure relevance and sustainability, while peer review sessions helped refine the interim and final pilot actions assessments. Dissemination was enhanced through local events presenting the pilot actions to the wider public. With the aim of promoting dialogue and collaboration among key transport stakeholders at regional and cross-border levels, two rounds of stakeholder meetings were organized, focusing on pilot actions interim and final results and addressing the long-term sustainability and potential replication. At the same time, partners started to work on the development of a roadmaps, long-term sustainability guidelines, and strategies to enhance transferability of the work done, as well as ingrain stronger cooperation for public transport in Central Europe.

Project outputs: Transnational action plan for better cross-border Public Transport connectivity(EN)
Transnational action plan for better ICT solutions for Public transport(EN)
Pilot actions promoting new/improved cross- border public transport rail services and innovative ICT tools for improving passenger mobility in CE(EN)
Long term sustainability guidelines for better connectivity & smart mobility solutions(EN)
Setting up of the SUSTANCE Transnational cooperation Network(EN)
Cooperation across borders to develop urban-rural linkages(EN)
Long term strategy for promoting cooperation and better governance of Public transport in CE(EN)
Website: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/sustance/

Thematic information

Transport and mobility

Priority: (VI-B_CE_3) Cooperating for a better connected central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO3.2. Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO3 A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility

Type of intervention: 101 Reconstructed or modernised railways - TEN-T comprehensive network

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: CENTRAL EUROPEAN INITIATIVE - EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998472023

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90072050322 | Fiscal Code (EN)

Department: Project Management Office

Address: Via Genova, , 34121 Trieste, Italy

Department address: Via Genova, , 34121 Trieste, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: International organisation, EEIG

Website: http://www.cei.int

Total budget: EUR 314 130.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 251 304.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 826.00

Contractors:

Name: EUROSERIVS S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01067440329
Name: Ca Foscari University Venice
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80007720271,

SZ-Potniški promet, d.o.o.

Name: SZ-Potniški promet, d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951207027

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI89393686

Address: Kolodvorska street , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.slo-zeleznice.si

Total budget: EUR 233 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 186 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 700.00

Prometni institut Ljubljana d.o.o.

Name: Prometni institut Ljubljana d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 991581919

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI34722645

Address: Kolodvorska , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://prometni-institut.si/

Total budget: EUR 254 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 203 824.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 956.00

Fondazione Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica

Name: Fondazione Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998928990

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02446681203

Address: Viale Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fondazioneitl.org

Total budget: EUR 266 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 212 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 220.00

Contractors:

Name: Arcangelo Bicchieri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02289620730
Name: Riccardo Maratini
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04676820287
Name: AICOD srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02452460344
Name: Simon Fletcher
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92323563400014
Name: Gabriele Grea
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04848000966

Istarska razvojna agencija – IDA d.o.o.

Name: Istarska razvojna agencija – IDA d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR90084809413

Address: Mletačka, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.ida.hr

Total budget: EUR 194 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 155 680.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 920.00

Contractors:

Name: Ernst&Young savjetovanje d.o.o
VAT registration or tax identification number: 82067332481
Name: LLoyds digital d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42238462344
Name: Obrt Vetva Graph
VAT registration or tax identification number: 98057531114
Name: NEMO NAVIS D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 54041609009
Name: MONEO SAVJETOVANJE D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 17372187208

HŽ Putnički prijevoz d.o.o.

Name: HŽ Putnički prijevoz d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR80572192786

Address: Strojarska Cesta , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.hzpp.hr

Total budget: EUR 252 792.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 202 233.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 558.40

Contractors:

Name: Catering tim Lisak d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40265914911
Name: Facit-mar d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30990748644
Name: M.M.Boban Vinodol d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 75508711169
Name: AVR
VAT registration or tax identification number: 79612787745
Name: Hotel Dubrovnik d.d.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 84030903681
Name: Wildfire Hospitality Group
VAT registration or tax identification number: 84098233870
Name: FIZ2 j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01910697957
Name: Gradska knjižnica Rijeka
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR53791148489
Name: Kontiki ugostiteljstvo d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 56096501658
Name: Context
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13579483013
Name: Dražen Zima
VAT registration or tax identification number: 89183341898
Name: King ICT d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR67001695549
Name: HŽ Infrastruktura d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 39901919995
Name: Intermax
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01171827738

Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vasút Zrt.]

Name: Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vasút Zrt.]

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU10008676

Address: Mátyás király u. , 9400 Sopron, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.gysev.hu

Total budget: EUR 266 657.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 213 325.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 331.40

Contractors:

Name: New Land Media Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24670827-2-44
Name: István Péter e.v.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 64731218-1-38
Name: Alteo Energiakereskedő Zrt.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 23720448-2-41

Eurac research

Name: Eurac research

Department: Institute for Regional Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999887253

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT01659400210

Address: Viale Druso, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Department address: Viale Druso, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.eurac.edu/en

Total budget: EUR 230 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 184 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 140.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Slovenian Railways- Passenger Transport, Ltd.

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Traffic and Transport Ljubljana l.l.c.

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Istrian development agency - IDA Ltd.

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

HZ Passenger Transport Ltd.

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Gyõr-Sopron-Ebenfurth Railway Corp.

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Eurac research

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

CENTRAL EUROPEAN INITIATIVE - EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Project acronym: SUSTANCE

Project ID: CE0100054

Project start date: 2023-04-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg Italy - Croatia 2014 – 2020 – Strategic Project MIMOSA “MarItime and MultimOdal Sustainable pAssenger transport solutions and services (EN) | Some of the activities planned within SUSTANCE build on the results of several studies performed within MIMOSA project. In particular, the demand analysis in the cross-border area IT-HR, while showing a significant predominance in the use of cars, has also highlighted the potential of promoting more sustainable passenger connectivity, by introducing cross-border train services. Additionally, two analyses on the market potential of the railway lines Buzet - Pula and Rijeka – Šapiane were duly considered within SUSTANCE project. (EN), Interreg Italy Slovenia 2014 – 2020 - Project FORTIS “Strengthening institutional cooperation in the cross-border area through innovative solutions in public transport and civil motorization procedures” (EN) | Within the FORTIS project (led by CEI) the Territorial needs assessment of the cross- border are IT-SI has been performed, highlighting several missing links as regards public transport connectivity. Building on the knowledge gained within this cross-border analysis, in SUSTANCE project the public transport accessibility of the route Trieste (IT)-Rijeka (HR) will be assessed within WP1 and specific solutions will be tested within WP2. (EN), Interreg Central Europe 2021 -2027 - SO2.5 - project proposal "GRETA" (EN) | SUSTANCE will also define collaborations with other CEU or Horizon to capitalize the use of space problem in cities and peripheral areas. In particular, the project will explore the possibility to use same infrastructures in a flexible way, also considering the distribution of freight. The collaboration with such projects (e.g.: GRETA proposal) will ensure the maximization of the use of public space. Indeed, changes in consumer behaviour, new e-commerce and mobility services, instant deliveries, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with conventional on-street parking and bus stops are conflicting each other, causing curbside disorder and generating conflicts, environmental issues and inefficiencies. Such competition is growing at faster rate than the policies/regulations governing curbside accessibility and it must be observed and considered in the development of new mobility services, as they are all causing an increase of pressure on the transport system, due to the lack of available space.
The collaboration will identify the possibility to have new solutions for public administrations for effective ways to digitally manage strategic spaces, and fairly balancing priorities for all competing interests of city curb side communities, including business and local mobility needs. On the other side, as the curb zone is located between streets and sidewalks, can be considered as the newest real estate, with potentials to generate revenue opportunities for cities and business.
The collaboration with those projects is ensured thanks to the organization of periodic webinars and workshops (D121 – D252) in which ITL, thanks to the competence in both sectors, will guide the discussion to generate hints to be considered.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 013 259.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 610 607.20

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 610 607.20. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Joint methodology for the implementation of the WP
Technical coordination meetings
Transnational online conference on accessibility of rural peripheral and cross- border areas
Methodology for knowledge-based accessibility assessment of rural,peripheral and cross- border areas
Accessibility assessment of the involved routes/regions-5 partner reports and 1 Transnational report
Roadmap n. 1 (IT-SI-HR cross- border connectivity) - based on pilot action 1
Roadmap n. 2 (HU-AT connectivity) - based on pilot action 2
Roadmap n. 3 (Improved connectivity of Istria Region) – based on pilot actions 3 and 5
Roadmap n. 4 (Demand responsive transport in Romagna Region) - based on pilot action 4
Roadmap n. 5 (Promotion of bike and rail in Croatia, SI and IT) - based on pilot action 6
Roadmap n. 5 (Enhancing PT accessibility of periph. regions along the route TN-BZ-Innsbruck)
Online tools for assessing accessibility of routes/regions and for supporting transferability
Transnational action plan for better cross-border Public Transport connectivity
Transnational action plan for better ICT solutions for fexible/demand responsive/intermodal PT
Joint methodology for the implementation of the WP
Technical coordination meetings
Pilot action monitoring and consortium peer-review assessment methodology
Pilot action peer-review online meetings, interim and final assessment consolidated reports
Pilot action dissemination events (2 events for each pilot)
Pilot action n. 1 (cross- border train connection IT-SI-HR - Trieste V.O. - Divaca - Pivka – Rijeka)
Pilot action n. 2 (cross- border train connection HU-AT - Neusiedl am See-Fertőszentmiklós-Sopron)
Pilot action n. 3 - (feasibility analysis on train connections along the route Divaca-Buzet-Pula)
Pilot action n. 4 (new ICT booking service of DRT in RER: Rimini - Ravenna -Forli)
Pilot action n. 5 (new ICT service for MaaS in Istria)
Pilot action n. 6 (new IT tool for bike and rail in HR and neighboring regions in SI & IT)
Long term sustainability guidelines for solutions
Transnational webinar to disseminate pilot action results and to support transferability
Joint methodology for the implementation of the WP and for stakeholders involvement
Technical coordination meetings
Analysis of innovative governance schemes at regional and cross- border level
Stakeholders consultation - round 1
Stakeholders consultation - round 2
Stakeholders consultation - round 3
Long term strategy for promoting cooperation and better governance of Public transport in CE
Letters of support to setup the transnational coop. network and to adopt the Roadmaps (Act.1.3)
Project dissemination and transferability campaign
Final conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The SUSTANCE project aims to face the lack of efficient Public Transport services meeting the mobility needs of citizens and tourists, which leads to a poor PT accessibility and to an increasing dependency on individual mobility and private cars as modes of transport. By increasing the public transport offer the projects aims to achieve a substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by improving and enhancing railway transport services and implementing new technologies and solutions supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
TerritorialAgenda2030 By contributing to a more efficient and sustainable mobility in peripheral areas – including scarcely populated, rural and CB territories - SUSTANCE will contribute to a better integration beyond borders by easing the mobility of people for better living and working conditions - Just Europe that offers future perspectives for all places and people.
Moreover, by supporting innovative passenger transport solutions and services to better link rural, peripheral and cross-border regions to the main urban areas and the major transport hubs (TEN-T nodes), the project and its jointly developed pilot actions contribute to the deployment of sustainable connections and supports international trade connections and local development opportunities for a Green Europe that protects common livelihoods and shapes societal transition.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion SUSTANCE will support the implementation of EUSDR, namely the following actions identified by the EUSDR Priority Area 1B: 5. “To establish a working group to examine and propose solutions to remove cross-border administrative, as well as operational and technical barriers for rail and road transport, and support projects related to better transport connectivity”. Additionally, the CEI-ES, in its role of observer member in PA1b Steering Group will also guarantee appropriate information to the member states representatives. SUSTANCE has been certified as Flagship Project of PA1b.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion SUSTANCE will support the implementation of EUSAIR, namely the actions identified by Pillar: 2) “Connecting the Region” whose overall aim to is to improve connectivity within the Region and with the rest of Europe in terms of transport and energy networks.
Within this framework the project aims at implementing new solutions and jointly developed tools for enhancing sustainable and efficient transport connections in the CE area
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The results of the SUSTANCE project are consistent with recently adopted Action plan (Feb 2021) detailing the priorities set by the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in the Policy area Transport and in particular with Action 2 “Development of measures towards climate-neutral and zero pollution transport” and “Action 3: Facilitate innovative technologies & solutions in the Baltic Sea region“
EUStrategyAlpineRegion The SUSTANCE project is in line with and supports the second thematic policy area of the EUSALP (“Mobility and Connectivity”) as well as the activities and specific objectives of the Action Group 4 “Mobility” (e.g. promoting intermodality in passenger transport, supporting modal shift from road to rail, support cooperation in the transport sector).
Additionally, the CEI-ES, in its role of observer member in the EUSALP Action Group 4 will also guarantee appropriate information about the SUSTANCE project to the member states representatives
Other SUSTANCE Project is consistent with the Plan of Action 2021-2023 of the Central European Initiative. Activities implemented within SUSTANCE project directly contribute to the implementation of Goal n. 1 “Stimulating Green Growth”, objective 1.1 “Strengthening transport networks”.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Hrvatska (HR), Municipalities of Vodnjan and Savičenta
Magyarország (HU), N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 120 - Projects supporting cooperation across borders to develop urban-rural linkages, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 6.0
(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 18.0
(RCO120) Projects supporting cooperation across borders to develop urban-rural linkages: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

125 / 125 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 137 / 1 137 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Sustainable public transport solutions and innovative governance schemes for improving connectivity in Central Europe

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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