“This is your captain speaking. When in Rome go sustainable!”

An avid cyclist as well as a professional rugby player, skipper Lamaro is endorsing the campaign for Italy’s three home matches in the 2025 Six Nations rugby tournament. Launched in 2015 by the Mobility Agency of Rome (“Roma Servizi per la Mobilità”), the campaign urges fans to leave their cars and reach the Stadio Olimpico by public transport, on foot, by bike, cycling, or through shared mobility services. 

The initiative is backed by UPPER (Unleashing the Potential of Public Transport in Europe), an EU-funded project designed to boost sustainable mobility, in partnership with Eurocities – a network of 200+ cities in 38 countries representing 130 million people. The goal is clear: to make Rome a greener, more connected city by increasing active mobility and public transport use.

Sustainable mobility – the preferred choice

Driven by the principle of ‘Mobility as a Right’, UPPER has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape public transport in Europe. The emphasis is on understanding the link between customer satisfaction and public transport use when trying to shape better mobility options. Running from 2023 to 2026, UPPER is using a mix of ‘push and pull’ measures to make sustainable transport the go-to choice. 

Huge crowds flocking to major sports events can put a huge strain on cities and their transport networks, and the Six Nations is no exception. That’s where Francesco Iacorossi, UPPER’s Dissemination Manager, saw an opportunity: 

"As a Roman, a mobility expert, and a former rugby player, I know first-hand how public transport and sports can elevate a city. The Six Nations tournament was the perfect stage to prove it. Partnering with Roma Servizi per la Mobilità, we’ve championed this cause ever since – easing the strain of big events isn’t just possible, it’s essential," explains Iacorossi.

Beyond the video endorsement by Lamaro, the campaign offers: 

• Bilingual (Italian and English) online guides with cycling and pedestrian maps, public transport routes and airport tips
• Inclusive mobility, ensuring accessible parking for people with impaired mobility.
• Shared mobility perks with scooter and bike operators offering discounts and promotions for fans.

Over the years, the initiative has received support from Roma Capitale public authority and the Italian Rugby Federation, Eurocities as well as previous EU-funded projects promoting public transport like Handshake, P.A.S.T.A, and Bicycle Heroes, with the addition of UPPER in 2023.

Now, with UPPER leading the charge, the vision for Rome’s greener, smarter future is stronger than ever. Ben fatto! – and for a sustainable Six Nations, Forza Azzurri!

Background

• About UPPER

UPPER is coordinated by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). The project brings together 41 partners and is working with 10 cities and regions across Europe. It is backed by almost €20 million in funding from the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe. UPPER aims to spearhead a public transport revolution that will strengthen its role as the cornerstone of sustainable mobility and innovation in cities, ultimately leading the transition towards a future of zero-emission mobility.

• About the EU Cities Mission

UPPER is also part of the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. The EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities aims to accelerate the transition of European cities towards climate neutrality while fostering smart, sustainable and inclusive urban development. The Mission’s objectives are to deliver at least 100 climate-neutral and smart European cities by 2030, and use the knowledge gained to put all European cities in a position to become climate-neutral by 2050.

MORE

• CORDIS project factsheet
• UPPER news article: #RomaGiocaSostenibile 2015-2025 Celebrating a decade of achievements and teamwork
• UPPER news article: Lifting the pressure that sports events place on cities is both possible and mandatory #RomaGiocaSostenibile
• Roma Servizi per la Mobilità news article: #RomaGiocaSostenibile - Sei Nazioni 2025