Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans Policies and Implementation in Europe: Evidence from Vienna, Thessaloniki, Terrassa, Budapest, and York
Publication Name: Local and Urban Governance
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Part F1352
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 203-226
Description:
This chapter delves into the urban planning framework, with a particular focus on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) implemented across Europe. These strategic documents, encouraged by the European Commission (EC) aim to enhance transport sustainability, reduce environmental impacts, and improve citizens’ quality of life by tackling challenges like congestion, air and noise pollution, climate change, road safety, and parking issues. However, the customization of SUMPs to fit each city’s unique context presents challenges in standardizing and comparing the effectiveness of implemented measures. This study examines Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) from various European cities over the past decade, with a particular focus on Eastern and Central European countries to highlight best practices and strategies, using Budapest as a case study to validate the effect of infrastructure coverage on public transport usage. The findings reveal that while governments prioritize strategies, there is a poor tracking of regional key performance indicators, with much data being reported at a national level. The quantitative analysis in Budapest faces challenges due to limited historical data; however, the linear regression model shows a correlation between infrastructure and passenger kilometers. By comparing urban measures and their outcomes, this research aims to provide policymakers and urban planners with actionable insights on the most effective interventions for promoting sustainable mobility, offering guidelines for future variables analysis.
Open Access: Yes