MUTABLE Project – Multimodal Mobility Management in Rural Areas
The MUTABLE project aims to improve the accessibility and efficiency of public passenger transport in rural and peripheral areas. Its goal is to develop mobility management capacities that enable more flexible, sustainable and user-oriented solutions.
The project addresses challenges such as dispersed settlement patterns, population decline and poor connectivity with urban centres. Rather than building new infrastructure, it focuses on optimising existing transport systems and adapting them to the real needs of users.
At the heart of the project is the introduction of mobility managers, who act as a bridge between public authorities, transport providers and users. Their tasks include analysing mobility needs, engaging residents, coordinating new solutions and improving the efficiency of public transport. A particular emphasis is placed on developing demand-responsive transport (DRT) and making better use of existing capacities.
Core phase: analysis, collaboration and solution development
Project partnerships carry out an analysis of existing transport systems and user needs, with residents and key stakeholders actively involved throughout the process. On this basis, a shared mobility management solution is developed, defining the role of mobility managers and providing guidelines for improvement. An important element of this phase is the exchange of good practices between partner regions.
Pilot phase: testing solutions in practice
Pilot activities are being implemented in three countries to test new approaches, such as adjustments to bus routes, better use of existing transport services and the introduction of demand-responsive transport. The pilot activities allow the effectiveness of solutions to be tested in real-world conditions.
Final phase: transferring solutions and long-term impact
The project results are consolidated into a shared mobility management solution for rural areas. This contributes to better organisation of public transport, improved access to services, strengthened capacities of public authorities and the transferability of solutions to other regions. The project thus supports the long-term development of sustainable mobility and quality of life.
Focus in Slovenia: Pomurje
In Slovenia, the project focuses on the Pomurje region, with an emphasis on introducing flexible transport services and transferring good practices. Mobility managers and collaboration with local stakeholders play a key role, enabling the development of solutions tailored to the needs of residents.
The MUTABLE project is funded by the Interreg Central Europe programme through the European Regional Development Fund. More information about the project is available on the project website: www.interreg-central.eu/projects/mutable