Sustainable Mobility Information Network for the Alpine Space – AlpInfoNet To travel through Europe using intermodal sustainable mobility is becoming increasingly popular. Travellers want to be flexible and therefore they need reliable door-to-door information about available sustainable transport offers. Furthermore, they need information about the last mile and the mobility possibilities at their target destination. Unfortunately however, in Alpine regions an integrative door-to-door information system is still missing, hampering the easy shift from cars towards sustainable mobility modes. Sustainable Mobility Information Network for the Alpine Space – AlpInfoNet The »Sustainable Mobility Information Network for the Alpine Space – AlpInfoNet« project aims to change this situation by providing travellers with comprehensive information about sustainable transport modes beyond regional and national borders. AlpInfoNet will not create a new information platform, but rather improve and connect already existing information systems in transport and tourism in order to facilitate the accessibility of the Alpine Space and the local mobility for users. A broader objective of this network is to stimulate the use of public transport in the Alpine Space which could lead to a reduction of negative environmental impacts in the Alps. With the support of the Alpine Convention, partners from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia are working on identifying requirements and solutions for an Alpine-wide network with cross-border and non-discriminatory information about sustainable mobility offers.

ALPINFONET English Project Abstract

The integrated system will be implemented and tested in several pilot regions of the Alpine Space in order to elaborate the Sustainable Mobility Information Network for the future.

AlpInfoNet is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the European Territorial Cooperation Alpine Space Programme 2007-2013.

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1 Background The Alpine Space, as a popular tourism destination, faces the problem that less than 10% of tourists arrive by public transport. As a consequence destinations in the Alpine Space are burdened by motorised private transport. This not only threatens the attractiveness of the region but also a sustainable growth of the destinations. The Working Group Transport of the Alpine Convention (www.alpconv.org) identified a lack of information on sustainable mobility as a key element why sustainable transport modes are hardly used. The end-users need reliable information about the entire trip on a cross-border level before and during the journey. Both, comprehensive information on sustainable transport modes for travelling to/from a destination (door-to-door information) and on sustainable mobility at a destination (e.g. for the last mile), do not exist on a transnational level. So far tourism and transport have worked with single solutions, but an integrated approach is missing. This

is even more important as not only the availability of comprehensive information, but also its distribution via smart channels is lacking. Sustainable transport modes play a minor role in the dayto-day business of tourism. Only when both sectors agree to gather and exchange information about these transport modes it will reach tourists via convenient channels. The challenge lies in this case in a common organization, coordination and homogenization of the data, which in one of the main working tasks of AlpInfoNet. Only with a transnational approach the technical and the political way can be paved for an integrated transnational information service. By facilitating the access to sustainable transport modes in everyday life of travellers (tourists, inhabitants, travellers) and by securing a sustainable growth of tourism destinations, the project contributes to the aims of the Gothenburg and Lisbon Agendas as well as to the EU 2020 strategy.

2 Project Description The main objective of the project is the provision of easy, accessible and clear information about environmental friendly transport modes for tourists and residents. This information should be available in all kinds of the already existing information systems. The objective is to increase the use of public transport in the Alpine regions. In turn this will lead to a reduction of negative environmental impacts in the Alps. An additional positive side effect could also be the stimulation of soft tourism and the preservation and creation of jobs within the

Alpine Space. To achieve this goal, the project will elaborate a strategy for the dissemination of public transport information and for the integration of existing information systems into a sustainable mobility information network. By involving technical and political key actors from the transport, tourism and environmental sector, it is guaranteed that technical and political implementation obstacles of AlpInfoNet in several pilot regions can be solved and long-lasting results can be achieved.

3 Project Aims The provision of smart, reliable and non-discriminatory transnational information about sustainable mobility offers to/ from and within the Alpine Space is the main objective of the project. By capitalising existing regional and national information systems for a cross-border approach, the project will develop a transnational sustainable mobility information network. Therefore it tackles and coordinates the technical and political interoperability and harmonisation of selected existing information systems (from tourism and the transport sector) ALPINFONET English Project Abstract

and a smart distribution of sustainable mobility information to travellers. Actors from the tourism and the transport sector are actively involved in the project from the beginning on to guarantee a convenient development and implementation of the sustainable mobility information network. The project aims to facilitate the access to public transport by improving the quality of information services, to initiate a behavioural change of travellers and to increase the usage of public transport by tourists/inhabitants. 2

4 Activities and Results The AlpInfoNet project works towards the following intermediate and final results: • A strategy for handling and promotion of sustainable mobility information; • Transnational networking activities (e.g. exchange between technical users); • A defined framework including contents of a Sustainable Mobility Information Service; • Procedures and standards for the exchange of data, ensuring the perennial integrity of data; • A roadmap for the modular implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Information Network; • Suggestions for content of mobile application; • Identification of political and commercial constraints for such a service; • A guideline for a secure political and legal framework for the Sustainable Mobility Information Service;

• A data interface between touristic and travel information systems within the pilot regions; • A user guide/manual for the Sustainable Mobility Information Network; • Alpine-wide transferable concept for a transnational Sustainable Mobility Information Network; • Several pilot regions with implemented transnational Sustainable Mobility Information Network serving as good practise examples; • Transnational and mobile availability of existing information of sustainable mobility for the pilot regions; • Increased use of sustainable mobility offers by tourists, residents and travellers; • Transferability of the Sustainable Mobility Information Network to other Alpine regions.

5 Alpine Space Programme AlpInfoNet is a project developed under the Alpine Space Programme. The Alpine Space Programme is the EU transnational cooperation programme for the Alps. Partners from the seven Alpine countries work together to promote regional development in a sustainable way; During the period 2007-2013, the programme is investing 130 Mio € in impact-oriented projects in which key actors develop shared solutions on specific Alpine issues as laid down in the programme objectives:

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• Priority 1: Competitiveness and Attractiveness • Priority 2: Accessibility and Connectivity • Priority 3: Environment and Risk Prevention

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6 Presentation of the partnership The partnership is composed of different levels of government (national, regional, local) and of several policy fields (transport, environment, economy-tourism). It covers almost all Alpine countries. Among them are members of the Alpine Convention’s Working Group Transport which guarantees that experiences of the project will also be shared with Switzerland. This fact also ensures purposeful communication as well as support in transnational political coordination and implementation. By involving technical and practical actors of the transport and tourism sector, a politically and technically balanced project can be achieved. This integrated composition is the basis for a transnational cooperation of high-quality that tackles both, trans-local and territorial aspects. In the AlpInfoNet project 13 partners of 5 countries are working together in a network covering the entire Alpine Space. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology located in Bavaria/Germany is the Lead partner of the project. The French Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, the German Ministry of Transport and the Austrian Ministry of Environment are members of the Working Group Transport of the Alpine Convention. These ministries of trans-

port and environment are beside the regions the political key actors of the project. The different geographical origins (AT, DE, FR, IT, SI) and the different policy sectors (transport, environment and economy), as well as the different levels of government contribute to the large-scale composition of the partnership. The regional and local authorities (e.g. Regional Management East Tyrol, Region Piemont, Regional Development Agency of Northern Primorska) and participating Universities and Academies (Politecnico Torino, EURAC) are the key actors for their national areas. Project partners are represented in all pilot regions and will ensure the implementation of such a sustainable mobility information network in their region. The project partners will organise workshops to involve technical users such as DB (German Federal Railway), ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and local tourism associations to ensure use and access of data. To ensure optimal coverage of the Alpine Space and to have a variety of multifaceted competences and the accomplishment of implementation, relevant public and private institutions of the participating European countries and Switzerland are supporting the project as observers.

Lake Constance (Austria, Germany) The Lake Constance pilot region is a prime example for the relevance of transboundary mobility solutions for the Alpine Space. The region comprises parts of three countries (Austria, Germany, Switzerland), several federal states/cantons and medium-sized cities (St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Konstanz, Dornbirn, Bregenz, Lindau) and strongly urbanised landscapes in the Alpine Rhine valley and along the shores of Lake Constance. Against the backdrop of the Northern Alpine foothills and with its mild climate, the region combines recreational, cultural and historic tourist attractions amidst a scenic

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landscape. At the same time, it is characterised by a strong and diversified economic base. It is home to some 3.8 million residents. Urbanisation, economic and touristic attractiveness, the region’s location along higher-ranking road and rail transport corridors (Munich-Zürich, San-Bernardino corridor) and topographic conditions result in considerable traffic-related burdens in some parts of the region. Therefore, increasing the attractiveness of intermodal soft mobility is a strategic and transboundary policy objective for the pilot region as a whole.

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Lake Chiemsee (Germany, Austria) The pilot region Lake Chiemsee is located between Munich, the provincial capital of Upper Bavaria (Germany) and the Austrian federal state of Salzburg. It comprises parts of two countries (Austria and Germany) and four administrative districts (Berchtesgadener Land, Rosenheim, Traunstein and Salzburg with its surrounding countryside). The Lake of Chiemsee is the third largest lake in Germany and represents an important recreation area in the region for tourists as well as locals. The

region has a good connection to the rail transport network (trans-European railway corridor from Paris to Budapest). In the region`s destinations information about sustainable mobility in transport and tourism does not exist exhaustively on a cross-border level. Therefore the provision of comprehensive information for tourists and locals at a destination is the main objective of the pilot region to increase the usage of public transport.

East Tyrol (Austria) East Tyrol is situated on the southern side of the alps, at the border to Italy (Südtirol). It is characterised by deep valleys and more than 240 mountains gaining above 3.000m. The central area of the district is the basin of Lienz where approximately half of the inhabitants of East Tyrol are living. The other half (~25.000) are living in the more or less scarce populated valleys. In the valleys villages and a lot of hamlets are situated at the steep slopes of the valleys. To sum it up, it is very

hard to impose common public transport. More and more new transport solutions are being developed. The AlpInfoNet – Project is important for the district in order to develop a comprehensive an easy to use mobility information system, which combines the different traffic solutions. It is not only important for tourism in order to develop and communicate sustainable transportation solutions, but also the people in the villages.

Province of Gorizia and Goriška (Italy, Slovenia) Province of Gorizia - Goriška pilot region comprises parts of two countries: Italy and Slovenia. Together they cover an area of 2.791 km2 (more than 83% Goriška), and it has about 261. 600 inhabitants (about 54,5% in Province of Gorizia), living in 38 Municipalities (25 in Gorizia, 13 in Goriška). Thanks to the rich history and natural beauties both regions are very attractive touristic destinations during the whole year. However, there is still a lack of attractiveness of the public transport supply in general. The territory of the Province of Gorizia comprises the hills of Collio, with its extraordinary vineyards, the paths of the Carso

ALPINFONET English Project Abstract

area with the itineraries of the Great War, the flow of Isonzo/ Soča river and the natural reserve of the Isonzo Mouth, the art and culture of Gorizia, the main city. The Grado lagoon and the costal plains attract a large number of tourists from abroad every summer. The wonders of the Goriška region include the beautiful Alpine peaks and valleys of the Triglav National Park, the enchanting wine winegrowing areas of Goriška Brda and the Vipava Valley. One of the most distinctive and recognisable sights of both region is the emerald river Soča.

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Piedmont, Provence Alpes Côte d´Azur and Rhône-Alpes (Italy, France) The pilot region embraces the Susa Valley (Piedmont) and the main valleys of the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur and RhôneAlpes (Maurienne, Romanche, Guisane, Haut Verdon, Haute Ubaye). On the French side (200,000 inh.), the most populated zones are located around middle-sized towns: Barcelonnette (2,883 inh.), Bourg d’Oisans (3,448 inh.), St Jean de Maurienne (8,710 inh.), Briançon (12,094 inh.) and Gap (38,600 inh.). On the Italian side, excluding Torino and its metropolitan area (1.7 million inh.), Avigliana (12,460 inh.), Susa Bussoleno and Bardonecchia are the largest urban areas (3,000-6,000 inh.). Tourism is the main activity with several ski resorts and mag-

ALPINFONET English Project Abstract

nificent natural parks, well served by national and regional railways and roads, and by good private and public transport services. The pilot region is crossed by a main European corridor, connecting Torino to Lyon through the Frejus tunnel, as well as by several important passes (Montcenis/Moncenisio, Montgenèvre/Monginevro, Agnel/Agnello). However, the public transport network presents diverse quality in the different valleys and the existing info-mobility services are not shared and coordinated, hampering the modal shift.

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