Co-creating the future of mobility in Alentejo Central

On 12 February, the Palácio de Dom Manuel in Évora hosted a key milestone for sustainable mobility in the Alentejo Central region, with the participatory working sessions of the 2nd-generation Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) promoted by CIMAC – Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alentejo Central.

At VTM, we are proud to support CIMAC in the development of a new-generation mobility plan, fully aligned with the latest European Union SUMP guidelines and designed to respond to the structural challenges of Alentejo Central, such as demographic decline and ageing, dispersed settlement patterns, some service accessibility gaps, high seasonal climate stress, and the need to ensure equitable mobility solutions across a territory with high density of rural areas.

As a second-generation SUMP, the plan adopts a forward-looking and integrated approach that goes beyond traditional mobility planning. In line with EU recommendations, it addresses emerging and cross-cutting priorities such as electric mobility and alternative fuels, digitalisation and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), data-driven planning and monitoring, strengthened multimodality, inclusive and accessible mobility for all users, and climate resilience.

The participatory process was structured into two dedicated sessions, ensuring both institutional alignment and broad stakeholder engagement:

• The morning session brought together representatives from the 14 municipalities of CIMAC, ensuring direct technical and political involvement from across the region. This session focused on presenting and discussing the results of the Characterisation and Diagnosis and Mobility Strategy phases, as well as reviewing the initial package of proposed measures.
• The afternoon session was dedicated to regional and local stakeholders, including national authorities, infrastructure and transport entities, academic institutions, social organisations, associations and civil society representatives. This session provided an open platform to validate priorities, discuss implementation challenges and collect additional proposals to strengthen the Action Plan.

This two-tier structure reinforced transparency, cooperation and co-creation – essential principles for delivering effective and realistic mobility solutions tailored to the region’s needs.

Together with CIMAC and its municipalities and stakeholders, we are shaping the next generation of mobility solutions for Alentejo Central: cleaner, smarter, more inclusive and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future.