AET mid-year events technical visit to CEiiA and workshop

During the events in Porto, CEiiA opened the doors to AET members to discuss innovative solutions for urban mobility

As part of the hybrid event held in Porto last March, AET members were received with a full program of activities that included the Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility workshop organised by CEiiA, following the TMF hybrid seminar. The workshop explored the requirements for integrating transport considering relevant trends in urban mobility, such as carbon credits and micromobility solutions. The 90min-session challenged participants to defy the status quo of mobility solutions with the purpose of balancing urban density, environmental concerns, and the need for personal mobility as well as a rewarding user experience. Specifically, the discussion unfolded around CEiiA’s ongoing projects on:

1.     The role of compact urban vehicles and fleet sharing in the future of mobility

Integrating compact urban vehicles, such as L7 category vehicles and trikes, with car-sharing services presents an innovative solution to urban mobility challenges. These small-footprint options offer personal mobility while minimising space requirements and environmental impact. By leveraging technology and shared ownership models, cities can create a more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transport ecosystem.

2.     Ticketing and carbon credits: a sustainable mobility model

Integrating ticketing systems with carbon credit models offers a dynamic approach to urban mobility by rewarding sustainable behaviours and reducing emissions. This model shifts from fixed fares to flexible, incentive-based pricing, where users earn rewards (e.g. discounts or credits) for eco-friendly activities like using public transport or cycling.

The session started with a short presentation connecting the theme of the workshop to the hybrid seminar, introducing the topics and projects, by Sandra Melo, from CEiiA. After a discussion within small groups, the participants gathered to share their conclusions. In this context, AET members were able to network with local researchers from CEiiA, CITTA and INESC TEC that were among the participants.

The main theme of the workshop had already been presented to some participants that had the opportunity to visit CEiiA’s facilities, in Matosinhos, on the morning of the same day. Being an Engineering and Product Development Centre, CEiiA showcased their historical achievements and most recent developments in compact autonomous cars, fostering inclusive urban mobility.