In the fourth article in our series ‘Exploring CulturalRoad’s Demo Sites”, we highlight the Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR), Slovenia’s vibrant centre for science, culture, and innovation. Home to over 500,000 residents and Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, this region is a crucial player in advancing mobility solutions for a sustainable future.
Ljubljana: Slovenia’s centre for innovation and culture
The Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR), situated in the heart of Slovenia, serves as the nation’s central hub for knowledge, research, education, and culture. The region encompasses the capital city, Ljubljana, and hosts key state, scientific, research, educational, and cultural institutions. It generates over a third of Slovenia’s total GDP and attracts about 120,000 daily commuters, most of whom rely on cars. The region’s diverse landscapes feature the picturesque Ljubljanica River, vast green spaces, and surrounding hills, while its cuisine presents a unique blend of Alpine, Mediterranean, and Pannonian influences.
As Slovenia’s transport hub, the Ljubljana Urban Region faces significant challenges due to car-dominated commuting patterns. Despite implementing strategic mobility documents, such as local Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) in 12 municipalities and the regional SUMP approved in 2018, the acceptance and integration of Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) technologies remain limited. The City of Ljubljana is part of the EU’s “100 climate-neutral cities” initiative, highlighting its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. However, the region must continue to develop sustainable transport solutions to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance air quality. Current mobility issues, such as traffic congestion and a lack of widespread public transport options, make this region an essential site for testing and advancing CCAM solutions.
Increasing the acceptance and implementation of CCAM systems
The primary objective of the Ljubljana Urban Region’s involvement in the CulturalRoad project is to increase the acceptance and implementation of CCAM systems. The demonstration will focus on engaging regional stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, and citizens, to co-create solutions that address current mobility challenges. The goal is to integrate CCAM technologies into the regional SUMP, which will serve as the foundation for long-term policy development and regional mobility planning. By involving the public and policymakers in the process, the demonstration aims to create a sustainable transport model that aligns with CulturalRoad’s broader vision.
Key actions in the Ljubljana Urban Region include:
- Engaging a wide range of stakeholders and policymakers to discuss and support the deployment of CCAM systems.
- Organising workshops with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the fair deployment of CCAM technologies.
- Updating the region’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) to incorporate CCAM services and long-term policy improvements.
- Preparing a White Paper on CCAM within the region, which will guide future policy development and serve as a resource for other regions across Europe.
These steps aim to ensure the successful integration of CCAM systems into the region’s transport network and promote a more sustainable and inclusive mobility model.
“The most significant outcome of our demonstration in the Ljubljana Urban Region will be the successful integration of CCAM solutions into our regional Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). This will set an example for other regions in Slovenia, showcasing how advanced technologies can be incorporated into mobility planning.” Matej Gojčič, Deputy director of RRA LUR.
Leading this effort is the Regional Development Agency of Ljubljana Urban Region (RRA LUR), which connects the 25 municipalities of the region, including Ljubljana, and works to drive innovation and sustainable development. By collaborating with local, regional, and international stakeholders, RRA LUR helps transform challenges into opportunities for a better quality of life. A key focus of RRA LUR’s involvement within the project is fostering co-creation with the public on CCAM topics, addressing potential policy document revisions to enhance long-term acceptance of CCAM. The agency plans to prepare a White Paper on CCAM within the Ljubljana Urban Region, outlining strategies and recommendations for effective implementation. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) developed by RRA LUR will align with the overall project’s KPIs, ensuring consistency and coherence in evaluating the success of CCAM integration.
