IMPACTS project enhances access to public transport across Europe

The European Passengers’ Federation has announced that the IMPACTS project (Inclusive Mobility: Public and Collaborative Trusted Spaces) has concluded, marking a milestone in the journey to enhance public transport and urban mobility across Europe. Led by Technische Universität (TU) Berlin and supported by EIT Urban Mobility, IMPACTS aimed to revolutionise public transport systems by addressing key challenges such as overcrowding, outdated reporting mechanisms and safety concerns.

Central to the project lay the development of the WizGo application, a socio-technical tool designed to connect passengers and empower them to report issues in the urban environment directly to mobility providers. Partnering with the cities of Dugopolje (Croatia) and Istanbul (Turkey), IMPACTS had conducted pilot projects to test the efficacy of WizGo in diverse urban landscapes.

In Dugopolje, the initiative focused on enhancing connectivity within the Split area, particularly for students and employees. By implementing WizGo on suburban bus lines, passengers could connect with fellow travellers, fostering a sense of security and community support.

Marija Čipčić, a representative of the Dugopolje Municipality, said: “IMPACTS is a ground-breaking initiative that not only improves public transportation but also builds passenger communities. It signifies a significant step towards a more humane, secure, and efficient way of traveling, contributing to environmental conservation and better utilisation of urban space.”

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In Istanbul, IMPACTS targeted the historic peninsula, aiming to enhance the transportation experience for visitors and digitise feedback mechanisms. Through workshops and the deployment of WizGo on the T1 Tramway line, passengers reported feeling more secure and empowered to provide real-time feedback to local authorities.

Martin Schlecht, Coordinator of the IMPACTS project, said: “The IMPACTS project proved the power of passenger communities as the ultimate catalyst to improve public transport. With the right digital tool, citizens can actively shape the transport environment and contribute to an immediate feeling of safety and comfort in public transport, not only for themselves but for the entire community.”

Looking ahead, the IMPACTS project aims to refine the WizGo application further and establish additional collaborations to expand its use, promising a brighter, more accessible future for public transport and urban mobility in Europe.