Over the course of 2024, the city of Trikala actively engaged in the co-creation of inclusive, accessible, and equitable mobility solutions through its participation in the SINFONICA project. A series of three workshops brought together stakeholders, public authorities, citizens, and experts to explore the potential of Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) and shape its future in the city.

Workshop 1: Laying the Foundation

Held in March 2024, the first workshop introduced the SINFONICA project and methodology to local stakeholders. Participants explored current mobility challenges and examined the results of focus groups and interviews.

Key findings highlighted:

  • the limitations of existing public transport in terms of accessibility and responsiveness to user needs.
  • emphasized the need for bottom-up design processes and
  • revealed that mobility solutions must reflect the diverse needs of users, particularly those with mobility challenges.

Workshop 2: Testing Assumptions and Priorities

In June, the second workshop focused on comparing stakeholder perceptions with citizen responses gathered through interviews. While many stakeholders correctly assumed that public awareness of CCAM was high, they were surprised by the low level of actual use.

Overall participants dscussions addressed critical aspects such as accessibility, affordability, safety, and public trust and urfaced both benefits (e.g., reduced emissions, improved inclusivity) and challenges (e.g., infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, public fears), paving the way for a more balanced perspective on CCAM.

Workshop 3: Co-Defining Future Solutions

The final workshop in September brought together a wide array of stakeholders to co-define key requirements for CCAM deployment. Real-life applications, like those seen in the SHOW project, served as inspiration. Discussions centered on

  • serving vulnerable groups such as the elderly and commuters requiring flexible options.
  • Legal clarity, affordability, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines emerged as non-negotiable features for successful deployment.
  • A common sentiment among participants was that while the technology is advancing rapidly, regulatory frameworks and public readiness must evolve in parallel.

Conclusion

The Trikala workshops demonstrated the value of participatory processes in shaping the future of mobility. By bridging the gap between technology providers, policymakers, and everyday users, SINFONICA enabled a shared vision rooted in inclusivity, practicality, and trust. As CCAM continues to develop, Trikala stands as a leading example of how cities can navigate the transition toward smarter and more equitable transport systems.

Author: Christina Karaberi (e-Trikala)