Across three sessions, speakers from cities, regions, research organisations, and industry shared how data-driven coordination, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Cooperative ITS (C-ITS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping the management of people and goods across European transport networks. The meeting reflected a shared ambition to move from isolated pilots to integrated, data-driven mobility management that supports safety, sustainability, and accessibility goals.

Smarter coordination and data-driven planning

The first day of the meeting, hosted by the City of Ghent, focused on predictive and data-driven tools for multimodal traffic management. The SYNCHROMODE project presented its EU-funded toolbox for predictive network management, while Helmond shared how C-ITS can enhance road safety by detecting unsafe situations in real time. The MegaBITS project, led by the Province of Overijssel, demonstrated how smart cycling systems—from connected bicycles to integrated cycling data hubs—can become an integral part of traffic management. The City of Ghent also showcased its evolution from traditional traffic control to user-centred, multimodal coordination through open data, intelligent traffic lights, and cyclist-responsive signals.

From data to delivery: rethinking urban logistics

The second day of the meeting, organised jointly with the Urban Freight Working Group, examined how shared data infrastructures and AI tools can improve urban logistics.

Vitoria-Gasteiz presented data-space initiatives that enable collaboration between public authorities, research institutions, and private operators. Gothenburg showed how real-time logistics data can optimise loading zones and reduce congestion, while Ghent’s DISCO project integrated access rules into logistics workflows to make deliveries safer and more efficient.

AI for smarter and fairer mobility

The meeting also explored the role of AI in traffic management, with guidance from the International Transport Forum (ITF) and city use cases from Amsterdam, Greater Manchester, and Mechelen: Amsterdam outlined its human-centred approach to AI deployment for managing complex transport networks; Greater Manchester showcased AI-powered prediction tools to reduce congestion and emissions; and Mechelen demonstrated how AI can help assess and improve cycling infrastructure.

Conclusion

Overall, participants agreed that while digitalisation opens vast opportunities, success depends on standardisation, interoperability, and human oversight. Cities stressed that new technologies must remain aligned with public objectives, enhancing safety, accessibility, liveability, and environmental performance, rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake. Building capacity, sharing standards, and integrating active travel and logistics data into multimodal systems were identified as top priorities for the coming years.

Read the full report here.