Continuous networking and exchange to shape the future of rural mobility
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Transport and mobility
- Infrastructure
- Connected rural areas
Rural mobility needs EU-scale solutions that take account of local needs in rural areas, SMARTA-NET project final conference concludes. The two-year, EU-funded project produced guidance, tools, training programmes and set up a European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) whose legacy will be continued through various Rural Pact activities.
Image by Sissoupitch on Canva
The project’s closing conference marked a new step in the evolution of its European Rural Mobility Network aiming to disseminate knowledge and experiences, and capitalise on connections among local authorities, practitioners and rural mobility experts. Rural Pact activities will continue to support these through communication of good practices, online exchange in a rural mobility Community Group, and upcoming networking events such as Good Practice Webinars and the 2025 Rural Pact Conference.
The conference (23-24 October – Brussels, Belgium) highlighted the significance of mobility for the future of rural areas, emphasising the need to:
- Assign the same importance to rural mobility as to urban mobility by allocating sufficient financial resources;
- Mobilise and empower the local level to deliver solutions through capacity building, resources, and tools;
- Introduce mandatory and measurable policy targets for rural mobility at all levels;
- Rationalise ‘vehicle-kilometres travelled’ to enhance accessibility and decarbonisation.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on transport and mobility, and join the dedicated Community Group to exchange with peers.