Projects

SUITS will take a holistic approach to capacity building in local authorities and transport stakeholders with special emphasis on the transfer of learning to different sized cities. Key to the project is the development of resource-light methods to help authorities and operators capture and integrate (real time) freight and citizen mobility data in transport mobility plans, thereby making them inclusive and fit for purpose. Evidenced by using CIVITAS framework for impact, SUITS will enable a reduction in transport problems such as congestion and pollution and improve the quality of life for urban dwellers and commuters. Additionally, new tools will be provided in the form of an innovative financing decision support tool and long term, impact assessment method to improve decision making and the long term sustainability of transport measures, making these more attractive to investors, operators and users.

However, this is not enough to create the step change needed in sustainable transport. Without understanding the need for such systems, their context of use and laying the foundations for their use and continued development, any outputs may have limited impact.  Capacity building in local authorities is key. To do this, SUITS will take a ‘hearts and minds approach’ to building individual, organizational and institutional capacity. Working with 9 city partners to model gaps in their understanding, motivation, communication and work practices, will provide each city with a map of its own strengths and weaknesses with respect to sustainable transport planning. From this, strategies to enhance capacity, based on each authority’s needs, will be developed and organisations provided with the necessary techniques to increase their own capacity, mentored directly by project partners.  Working at all levels of the organisation, local champions will be trained to continue capacity building after the project. From these experiences SUITS will develop and disseminate (both on line and through workshops) a manual to enhance capacity in other EU cities.