POLIS SMCs and Regions discuss Transport Poverty at the European Mobility Days of Strasbourg

POLIS organised a dedicated session highlighting how cities and regions are working to tackle transport poverty in the 7th edition of the European Mobility Days of Strasbourg, a 2-day event co-organised by POLIS member CEREMA.

On 13 November, POLIS organised a panel discussion on “Closing Distances, Broadening Access: Tackling Transport Poverty Across Europe”, as a joint effort of its Small and Medium-Sized Cities (SMC) Platform and its Regions Working Group.

By bringing three of our members from across Europe, the cities of Helmond and Reggio Emilia, and the Regional development agency of the Ljubljana urban region, the session showcased their strategies and solutions to make peri-urban and rural mobility more equitable, climate-aligned, and resilient.

The speakers focused on:

Reggio Emilia demonstrated how medium-sized cities can rethink deeply ingrained car-centred mobility patterns by empowering residents directly, with its neighbourhood car-sharing initiative,
The Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) presented a strategic, region-wide approach to addressing transport poverty. With dispersed settlements and strong daily commuting flows into the capital, LUR faces significant challenges linked to limited public transport coverage and high reliance on private cars.
Helmond, a rapidly growing Dutch city, offered a compelling example of how innovation can improve access to mobility services, provided it remains inclusive and citizen-centred.

Medium-sized cities and regions—often operating with fewer resources but closer to their residents—are proving to be powerful laboratories for change. Their experiences show that practical, people-centred solutions can deliver immediate benefits while contributing to Europe’s broader climate and equity goals.

POLIS members can access the full event report in the member's area.