CROSSCONNECT Project’s 2nd Steering Committee and Project meeting held in Brindisi

The CROSSCONNECT project successfully held its 2nd Steering Committee and Project Meeting on 17th October 2024, hosted by STP Brindisi Spa. The event brought together project partners to assess progress and coordinate the next steps for pilot actions aimed at advancing sustainable intermodal transport between ports, airports, and urban areas across the Adriatic region.

The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome, followed by a comprehensive review of WP1 progress, focusing on the realization of the project’s first major deliverables: the Cross-Border Assessment and Capitalization Report, that compiles key findings on capitalization from the ADRIGREEN, INTERPASS, and INTERCONNECT projects, and Cross-Border Technical Working Group Procedure and Follow-Up Report, whose goal is to provide a foundation for future activities by capitalizing on past lessons.

The presentation led by AdSPMAM outlined a draft of the Mobility Solutions Report, which aims to evaluate and select the most sustainable, environmentally friendly, and innovative mobility solutions for pilot implementation. These solutions will play a key role in improving the region’s intermodal connectivity.

The second part of the meeting was dedicated to an in-depth discussion of the pilot actions, with a focus on integrating green and ICT innovations. Each partner presented their progress and plans, showcasing how their local initiatives contribute to the project’s overall goals. These pilots are expected to serve as models for more sustainable and efficient passenger transport across the Adriatic region.

Key activities to be implemented in each region include:

Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik Airport and Dubrovnik Port Authority will jointly develop a web application to optimize passenger flows and intermodal transport and both partners will integrate green solutions and electric mobility to reduce energy consumption and improve passenger experience in their area.

Venice: NASPA and SAVE will conduct a feasibility study for the Fly&Cruise project. This innovative project focuses on the safe transfer of sterile luggage between the port and the airport, allowing one-time customs, health, and security checks for both luggage and passengers disembarking or embarking from either Marco Polo Airport or the ports of Venice and Chioggia.

Pula: Pula Port Authority will install two solar-powered containers for waste collection and three electric vehicle charging stations. In collaboration with Pulapromet, smart ticketing systems will be implemented to allow passengers to purchase bus tickets at port premises and the main bus station. Additionally, a new 5 km bus line connecting the port with the city center and main bus station will be tested by Pulapromet. A MIDI bus will be procured for this route to improve service quality and reduce CO2 emissions.

Brindisi: STP Brindisi and AdSPMAM will work on data integration and real-time information systems for passengers and tourists in Brindisi. Investments will be made in smart shelters at bus stops and information poles to improve intermodal connectivity and provide real-time updates for passengers.

The afternoon sessions shifted to key project management discussions, covering day-to-day coordination, reporting procedures, and spending targets. The communication team also reviewed the performance of social media acounts and proposed strategies to further enhance outreach and visibility for the project.

The meeting concluded with a productive wrap-up session, during which partners outlined the upcoming deadlines, future activities, and continued collaboration.

For further updates on CROSSCONNECT and its pilot actions, stay tuned for more developments!