Unlocking curbside potential: Insights from the POLIS tutorial on CDS
How are cities using digital tools to manage the curbspace more efficiently? The first module of the POLIS tutorial series on data standards and specifications in urban mobility dives deep into Curbside Data Specification (CDS), hosted in partnership with POLIS member Open Mobility Foundation (OMF). Discover more below.
On 30 October 2025, POLIS hosted an online Technical Tutorial on Curb Data Specification (CDS) in partnership with the Open Mobility Foundation (OMF). As the first module of the new POLIS tutorial series on data standards and specifications in urban mobility, the session explored how cities can harness digital standards to better manage curbspace and public space, addressing growing demand from freight and logistics, public transport, ride-hailing, micromobility, parking, and pedestrians.
The tutorial featured insights from OMF experts Andrew Glass Hastings and Michael Schnuerle, who explained the rationale behind CDS, detailed how its APIs work, and showcased practical applications. Sam Brenner, Transportation Technology Strategist at the City of Boston, offered a city perspective, sharing hands-on experience implementing CDS to optimise curbspace management in a real urban context. Interactive Q&A sessions allowed participants to discuss policy and technical aspects with the experts.
POLIS members who attended gained a comprehensive understanding of the scope and value of CDS, the tools supporting its adoption, and the benefits of engaging with its open, collaborative development. The session highlighted how CDS enables cities to communicate curb regulations clearly, measure real-world usage, and implement data-informed, equitable curbside policies.
A factsheet summarising CDS and its benefits is publicly available here.
POLIS members can access the recording and presentation in the Members Area here.
About the POLIS Capacity Lab
The POLIS Capacity Lab equips mobility practitioners, city officials, and regional planners with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to implement innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions. Through peer-to-peer learning, interactive workshops, and structured training, the Capacity Lab strengthens technical and strategic capabilities, accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions, and bridges the gap between policy and practice.
Tutorials are structured online sessions (1–2 hours) that guide participants in using specific tools, methods, or products to solve real urban mobility challenges. Interactive elements such as Q&A and demonstrations help participants immediately apply what they’ve learned. The POLIS tutorial series on data standards and specifications in urban mobility focuses on real-world applications and tangible benefits, helping POLIS member cities and regions understand, implement, and work with data standards. It also creates a space for dialogue with standard-setting bodies, ensuring the collective voice of local authorities plays a stronger role in shaping Europe’s digital mobility future.
To have full access to POLIS Capacity Lab activities and content, find out how you can become a POLIS member here.
- Related Members
