Within the framework of the Sustainable Urban
Mobility Plan (SUMP) for Trabzon, implemented under the
Sectoral Operational Programme for Transport (USOP) as part of Türkiye–EU
financial cooperation and managed by the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure, the second technical study visit organized within the scope of
the project to the cities of Milan and Parma in Italy between 26-31 May 2025,
with the participation of representatives from the Trabzon Metropolitan
Municipality, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Contractor
representatives.
The study visit took place with the participation
of Sıla Yıldırım, Contract Manager and Umut Demirci, Procurement Expert from
the Department for EU Investments, SUMP technical team members on behalf of the
Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality; as well as teh representatives of the contractor consortium.
The first day of the study visit started with
meetings hosted by Paolo Campus, the EU Project Coordinator of the Agency for
Mobility and Environment (AMAT) in Milan Municipality and relevant departments.
During the meetings, various topics were addressed, including Milan’s
strategies and actions for sustainable mobility, infrastructure for cycling and
pedestrian transport, public transportation systems, and zero-emission zones.
Participants received information on exemplary practices such as Milan’s
"Città 30" (30 km/h speed limit) initiative and engaged in mutual
exchange of experiences. Subsequently, a field visit was conducted to Piazza
Bacone, a prominent example of tactical urbanism, within the scope of the
“Piazze Aperte – Open Squares” project implemented by the Municipality of Milan
in collaboration with AMAT and with the support of Bloomberg Associates and the
Global Designing Cities Initiative. The visit was accompanied by AMAT planning
expert Ms. Giulia Siciliano, who provided detailed insights into the planning
and implementation process. During the visit, participants had the opportunity
to observe the transformation process of the square, learn about the temporary
and cost-effective interventions used to revitalize public spaces, and gain
insights into how community engagement contributes to the creation of
sustainable urban living environments.
In the next phase of the visit, a series of
technical field observations were conducted with the participation of Ms.
Eugenia Capone from the Municipality of Parma and other municipal officials,
focusing on the city’s transport policies, urban mobility strategies, and
environmentally friendly transportation practices. Within this scope, on-site
observations were made regarding the transition of the urban bus fleet to
eco-friendly vehicles, the implementation of intelligent transportation
systems, and micromobility solutions, as well as the practical reflections of
sustainable mobility policies. Furthermore, the bicycle, scooter, and
car-sharing systems operated by Ridemovi were examined in detail, with
information exchanged on their impact on urban accessibility, carbon emission
reduction, and user behavior.
On the final day of the visit, a day trip was
organized to the city of Bergamo, where one of the city’s characteristic modes
of transportation, the funicular system, was examined on site. This system,
which effectively integrates Bergamo’s historical urban fabric with modern
transportation infrastructure, provided insight into how accessibility is
ensured between the upper city (Città Alta) and the lower city (Città Bassa).
Topics such as energy usage with a focus on environmental sustainability,
integrated ticketing, and accessibility were also addressed as part of the
visit. This technical observation served as a guiding experience for the SUMP
for Trabzon technical team, particularly in identifying alternative
transportation solutions suitable for pedestrian-oriented and topographically
challenging urban environments.
This technical visit has served as an important
point of reference in concretizing the goals outlined within the framework of
the SUMP for Trabzon and in shaping future local implementations. Particularly
in Milan and Parma, where SUMP practices are actively implemented, sustainable
mobility strategies, infrastructure solutions, and practical applications were
observed on site. Best practices for promoting public transportation,
supporting active mobility modes, and reducing environmental impacts were
evaluated. Meetings held with public institutions during the visit also
contributed to strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and knowledge
exchange.
Through this experience, the technical team of
Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality had the opportunity to closely examine the
urban mobility vision of European cities and significantly enhanced its
strategic capacity to develop sustainable, accessible, and environmentally
friendly transport solutions for their own city.