metaCCAZE: delivering cleaner urban mobility across Europe

“metaCCAZE helps cities translate high-level climate and mobility ambitions into concrete, co-created solutions,” explains Tamara Djukic, Head of Green and Urban Mobility at ERTICO – ITS Europe, and metaCCAZE project coordinator. “We are not only modelling change but validating it in real urban environments.”

At the core of the project are living labs and year-long demonstrations, where new mobility services are tested under everyday conditions. These environments allow cities to observe user behaviour, refine services based on evidence, and identify barriers to scaling early.

From concept to operation

The approach is already delivering results. Across participating cities, connected, electric and autonomous mobility solutions are moving from concept to operation.

In Tampere, Finland, an autonomous 12-seat shuttle is running as a fare-paying public transport service. Developed with Remoted Ltd. and local operator Nysse it represents one of Europe’s most advanced applications of autonomous public transport.

“The autonomous shuttle in Tampere is significant because it moves autonomous mobility from theory into real daily public transport use,” says Djukic. “It shows how automation can complement existing systems rather than replace them.”

Early uptake has been strong, with more than 5,000 users in the first three months. The deployment follows a phased approach, starting with lower automation levels to build trust, before progressing to higher autonomy expected in 2026.

The demonstration highlights how future mobility systems can integrate with existing networks, improving first- and last-mile connections while supporting lower emission travel.

Elsewhere, metaCCAZE cities are addressing different challenges. Amsterdam is testing integrated shared mobility solutions to improve accessibility and reduce private car dependency. Limassol is piloting demand-responsive transport for children and teenagers. Munich is developing a large-scale micro-logistics hub to improve urban freight efficiency and cut congestion.

In parallel, Athens is advancing low emission public transport, including a fleet of 220 electric bus supported by artificial intelligence for scheduling and charging optimisation. Smart mobility hubs and digital monitoring tools are also being deployed in Limassol, Kraków and Miskolc to support data-driven transport planning and operations.

Sharing knowledge, replicating solutions

Collaboration is a key strength of the project. “Trailblazer” cities such as Amsterdam and Munich share their proven expertise with “follower” and “observer” cities, which adapt solutions to local contexts.

“The collaboration model is one of the strongest elements of the project,” Djukic notes. “Knowledge transfer significantly accelerates deployment across Europe.”

Within metaCCAZE, Tampere’s experience shows how autonomous last-mile services can evolve into trusted public transport and be adapted elsewhere. Despite clear differences in culture, urban scale, and mobility habits, “follower” cities like Milano and Gozo are actively translating Tampere’s lessons on procurement, regulation, service design and integration to fit their own contexts. 

This collaborative adaptation rather than replication – combining operational insights, user acceptance strategies and stakeholder coordination – enables faster, more effective deployment across diverse urban environments. metaCCAZE will deliver implementation plans at the end of the project to help other cities across Europe to deploy and adapt its use cases. 

Improving accessibility and safety

The project is also delivering social benefits. On-demand and shared mobility services are reshaping daily routines, particularly for groups with limited transport options. Door-to-door services for young people are improving accessibility, safety and independence while reducing reliance on private cars.

“Families benefit from safer, more reliable mobility and time availability, while young users gain more accessibility and more time with friends,” Djukic explains. “Overall, these services make mobility more inclusive.”

EU funding supports innovation

EU support plays a critical role in enabling this level of experimentation, with benefits that go beyond the financial investment. It allows cities to test and refine innovative solutions in real conditions and share lessons across Europe. 

“EU funding enables cities to learn from each other, and to take risks and test solutions that would otherwise be difficult due to financial or operational constraints,” explains Djukic.

A lasting legacy

Looking ahead, metaCCAZE aims to leave a legacy both at city and European level. This includes validated mobility solutions, stronger institutional capacity and improved collaboration between cities, researchers, SMEs and industry partners.

“Ultimately, the project supports a shift towards more integrated, user centred and climate neutral urban transport systems,” Djukic concludes. “It helps cities move from isolated pilots to systemic transformation that directly make them more liveable for all.”

BACKGROUND

Coordinated by ERTICO-ITS, metaCCAZE is a project under the CIVITAS Initiative, an EU-funded programme working to make sustainable and smart mobility a reality for all, and contributes to the goals of the EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. It is also part of the portfolio of projects under the CCAM and 2ZERO partnerships. 

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• Project factsheet: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101139678
• Project website: https://www.metaccaze-project.eu/