The European Club of Intermodal Regions and Cities held its fifth study visit in Barcelona on 26 and 27 June 2014, with its goal being to show participants the various efforts made by the Catalan capital in terms of sustainable intermodality.
Following on from Oslo in June 2013, the European Club of Intermodal Regions and Cities (see right) chose to set a course for Barcelona on 26 and 27 June this year. The city, known primarily for its iconic football club, vivid night life and iconic architecture, has also become a genuine laboratory for sustainable public transport in the space of a few short years. As co-founder Nathalie Leclerc explained: "In Barcelona, intermodality goes hand in hand with respect for the environment. E-mobility, hybrid solutions and soft modes are taking precedence over traditional modes of transport." The Catalan capital has certainly been sparing no effort to encourage its inhabitants to leave their cars in the garage, notably developing a green bus network (one of the cleanest in Europe) as well as solar-powered bus stops and bike-parks. That proactive attitude is all the more striking given the challenge posed by two major issues. First of all, it has had to adapt to an ageing and complex public transport network with multiple stakeholders that was not designed for sustainability. Secondly, it has tried to flourish amid the wider financial crisis, which severely impacted public transit in Barcelona. Indeed, the testing economic situation has contributed to a decrease in public transport usage, and may threaten a number of large infrastructure projects.
The European Club of Intermodal Regions and Cities was created by the founders of Intermodes, an annual convention dedicated to intermodality. It aims to give participants the chance to witness innovative mobility schemes developed by European cities via study visits.
For 2014, the club’s organisers have chosen to shine a spotlight on Spain, since the next study visit after Barcelona will take place in Pontevedra from 18 to 20 September, when the local city-wide ‘Metrominuto’ pedestrian mobility plan will be placed under the microscope.