Slovakia: Information terminals for better public transport

Information terminals for better public transport

Inhabitants and visitors to Slovakia’s Košice region are enjoying new flexible transport options when visiting the local natural heritage. And they will soon use new public transport information terminals, inspired by ideas from Austria and Luxembourg.

The project ‘Sustainable mobility for the last mile in tourism regions’ (LAST MILE) brings together seven partners from seven countries who are interested in public transport solutions for tourists and citizens, especially in remote areas. They are particularly interested in covering the ‘last mile’ in people’s travel chains with low-emission and energy efficient alternatives to cars. The Agency for the Support of Regional Development Košice joined the project to learn from other countries about how to improve its local public transport infrastructure. The Agency’s objective was to propose new solutions for sustainable mobility and make these more attractive. The Agency found a number of effective ‘last mile’ solutions: during study visits in Luxembourg and Austria, it was able to see

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© Oto Zapletal (Pixabay)

ERDF modern bus and train stations with attractive information boards at the stations as well as on the buses and trains. Together with the Košice Self-governing Region, the Agency then prepared two plans: one for the construction of intermodal public transport terminals and another for an information system with integrated trip solutions. The managing authority of the Integrated Regional Operational Programme approved 6.34 million euros to deliver these plans.

Moreover, the Agency has encouraged new initiatives to make transport more sustainable and flexible. A seasonal train now takes people to Dobšinská Ice Cage, a seasonal bus serves local UNESCO sites, and a public bus now serves a route from the northern end of the national park to the southern end.

SLOVAKIA