Top 3 EU-Funded Projects in Public Transport (Up to 2023)
1. The Electric Buses Initiative
One of the landmark projects funded by the EU is the widespread introduction of electric buses in major cities. This initiative, primarily funded through the Horizon 2020 program, focuses on reducing urban pollution and promoting sustainable mobility. Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona have benefited from this project, significantly increasing their fleets of electric buses and setting up necessary charging infrastructure.
The European Union is actively promoting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable urban transportation through initiatives focusing on electric buses. One of the key projects in this area is the Zero Emission Urban Bus System (ZeEUS) project, one of the largest electromobility projects funded by the European Commission. Launched as a 42-month project under the Commission’s 7th Framework Programme, ZeEUS demonstrates various concepts of electric buses and provides recommendations for their wider deployment across Europe. The project also explores optimal interaction with the power grid and the integration of charging infrastructure, emphasizing the role of electricity in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Alongside this, the European Clean Bus deployment Initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to a low-carbon economy, as stipulated in the Paris climate agreement. This initiative involves local and regional leaders in transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable transport systems. It is based on three pillars: a public declaration endorsing the common ambition of cities and manufacturers to accelerate the rollout of clean buses, a deployment platform for information exchange and investment action among stakeholders, and an expert group to resolve implementation issues. The initiative aims to address challenges related to technological reliability, costs, and the business model, promoting confidence in the financing model and the market’s ability to deliver products at larger scales.
Additionally, the European electric bus market is projected to reach significant growth, with advancements in technology and government support for electric vehicles driving this trend. The focus is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with various vehicle types, including Battery Electric Bus (BEB), Hybrid Electric Bus (HEB), and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Bus (PHEB), playing a significant role. The market is also influenced by factors like battery types and bus lengths, with a diverse range of manufacturers contributing to the sector’s growth.
2. The Smart Rail Connectivity-Campus (SRCC)
Located in Annaberg-Buchholz, Germany, the SRCC is an innovative project funded by the EU. It serves as a research and development hub for smart rail technologies. The project focuses on developing digital solutions for rail transport, enhancing efficiency, safety, and connectivity. It’s a collaborative effort involving various European universities, research institutions, and industry partners.
The Smart Rail Connectivity Campus (SRCC) project, centered in Annaberg-Buchholz, Germany, is a pioneering initiative in the realm of intelligent rail transport. It aims to establish a hub for research, development, testing, and certification in the field of smart rail technologies. The project addresses key global trends such as urbanization, ecologisation, and digitalisation, and seeks to contribute significantly to sustainable mobility and the economic success of companies involved in the rail transport value chain.
The SRCC project is unique in its use of specific infrastructure, including Europe’s first digital interlocking site and the challenging topography of the test line between Annaberg-Buchholz and Schwarzenberg. This infrastructure is key to the project’s goal of establishing a “digital test field Erzgebirge,” which will be used for the development and testing of future railway technologies. The project has garnered a network of diverse partners, including regional SMEs, startups, large companies, research institutions, and municipalities, all collaborating in interdisciplinary, open, and agile innovation processes.
The primary objective of the SRCC is to initiate and promote innovations in digital networking and communication in rail transport, enabling automated rail transport and integration into multimodal mobility services. The project’s long-term vision is to develop Annaberg-Buchholz into a leading European site for the development, prototyping, and testing of smart rail technologies. This includes the establishment of a research and development campus with university ties to refine and bring railway technology inventions to market, thereby strengthening the region’s scientific and economic potential.
3. Cross-Border Sustainable Transport Project
This project, funded under the Connecting Europe Facility, focuses on improving cross-border public transport services in several European regions. It aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and promote sustainable transport modes across borders. The project includes upgrading rail infrastructure, improving ticketing systems, and integrating different modes of transport.
The CROSSMOBY project has successfully re-established a cross-border rail service between Italy and Slovenia, specifically connecting Udine, Trieste, and Ljubljana. This initiative aims to promote sustainable transportation, making the region more accessible and improving cooperation between the two countries. The project has introduced four daily trains, accommodating 267 passengers and offering space for 30 bicycles, thus improving rural-urban connections. The total investment for the project was EUR 4.117 million, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 3.499 million. The project, which ended in February 2022, continues to have a lasting impact, promoting sustainable maritime, rail, and road public transport between Italy and Slovenia.