The TERRAIN project objective is to foster a significant transformation in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, aiming to turn the vision of net-zero mobility into a reality. By uniting nine ambitious cities through a unique mentor-mentee approach, the project is testing tailored solutions in local “Living Labs” to tackle urban challenges such as air pollution and traffic congestion. These nine pilot actions represent the core of TERRAIN’s strategy to create more sustainable and people-centred urban environments.
ERDF Cities: Leading the way with strategic solutions
The four mentor cities are implementing high-impact measures focused on safety, multimodality, and digital planning:
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): To reduce car dependency in peripheral areas, the city is integrating e-bike sharing with the public transport system. This pilot tests how micromobility can provide an attractive alternative for daily commuting in suburban contexts.
- Bologna (Italy): Promoting the “City 30” concept aiming at awareness raising towards speed reduction, Bologna is focusing on safe school mobility. Through educational programmes for children and promotional campaigns, the city aims to foster a long-term cultural shift toward active travel.
- Zagreb (Croatia): In a sensitive corridor near schools and a hospital, Zagreb is using microscopic traffic simulation. This digital approach allows the city to test pedestrianisation scenarios and lane reallocations before any physical changes are made, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Ioannina (Greece): Boosting electromobility, Ioannina is installing the first municipal EV charging stations in the city centre. A new mobile application will allow users to locate and reserve these chargers, supporting the city’s transition to low-emission transport.
IPA Cities: Building foundations for a greener future
The five mentee cities are focusing on digitalisation, renewable energy, and system reliability to modernise their transport networks:
- Berane (Montenegro): The city is introducing an advanced Fleet Management System (FMS) for its municipal vehicles. This digital tool enables real-time tracking and fuel monitoring, significantly improving the transparency and efficiency of public services.
- Skopje (North Macedonia): To directly improve air quality, Skopje is equipping buses with air purification filters and environmental sensors. Additionally, a smart bus stop prototype with solar panels and green walls will showcase the future of climate-friendly infrastructure.
- Pančevo (Serbia): This pilot tests a practical way to decarbonise existing fleets by installing flexible solar panels on bus roofs. The energy generated powers auxiliary systems, reducing diesel consumption and CO2 emissions during regular city routes.
- Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Focus is on “Yellow Lane” optimisation to restore public transport reliability. By integrating rail and bus services with real-time passenger information and enforcement cameras, the city is creating a credible alternative to private cars.
- Durrës (Albania): Transparency is key in Durrës, where a new ICT system provides real-time bus arrival information. Digital boards at main terminals will help passengers plan intermodal journeys more efficiently, increasing trust in the local transport system.
A shared path towards sustainability
These pilots are not just isolated tests; they are critical stepping stones toward long-term policy change. By generating real-world evidence and building institutional capacity, also through knowledge exchange activities, the TERRAIN project ensures that successful innovations can be scaled up and replicated across the entire region. Together, these cities are paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future of the Adriatic-Ionian area.