What has happened with the project since its end date
Since the conclusion of the INNOAIR project in May 2023, several key developments have occurred, reflecting the ongoing impact and scalability of the solutions implemented during the project:
- Continuation and Scaling of On-Demand Public Transport: The on-demand electric minibus service, initially launched in the Manastirski Livadi neighborhood of Sofia, has continued to operate beyond the project's end date. Importantly, the service has been scaled up to include three additional neighborhoods: Malinova Dolina, Vitosha, and Gorna Banya. This expansion indicates the success and sustainability of the on-demand transport model developed under INNOAIR, as it continues to meet the mobility needs of Sofia's residents.
- Ongoing Use of the BUSINN App: The BUSINN mobile app, which was central to the operation of the on-demand transport service, remains in use. It continues to provide residents with real-time information on bus movements, pick-up and drop-off points, and allows for flexible booking of transport services. This ongoing usage highlights the app's effectiveness in facilitating a modern, user-friendly public transport system.
- Knowledge Dissemination and Adoption by Other Cities: INNOAIR’s legacy has extended beyond Sofia through a series of dissemination events, including webinars and an in-person workshop that coincided with the project’s final conference. These events attracted significant interest from over 70 local and regional authorities, both within Bulgaria and internationally. The discussions focused on how the innovations developed in Sofia, such as on-demand transport, green corridors, congestion charges, and low emission zones, could be adopted and adapted by other cities.
- Policy Influence and Regulatory Adjustments: The project has influenced local policies, particularly concerning the introduction and gradual enforcement of low emission zones (LEZ) in Sofia. The groundwork laid during INNOAIR has facilitated the ongoing implementation of these zones, which will be fully enforced in phases through 2025 and beyond. Additionally, the project’s outcomes have contributed to discussions on necessary adjustments to the legal and regulatory frameworks to support the broader adoption of the innovations introduced during INNOAIR.
What is the project’s plan for long-term sustainability
The INNOAIR project was designed with several strategies to ensure its long-term sustainability, namely:
- Growth and Expansion: The on-demand electric minibus service, initially piloted in select neighborhoods, was successfully expanded to additional areas, indicating a robust plan for scaling the service across Sofia. The continued use of the BUSINN app and integration into the city's public transport system further support its sustainability.
- Policy and Regulatory Support: The project laid the groundwork for lasting regulatory measures, particularly through the phased implementation of low emission zones (LEZs) and congestion charges. These policies, which extend beyond the project's end date, ensure ongoing enforcement and compliance, reinforcing the project’s environmental goals.
- Integration into Urban Mobility Strategy: By embedding the project's innovations into Sofia’s broader urban mobility framework, INNOAIR ensured continued municipal support and funding, crucial for maintaining and expanding these services.
- Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: INNOAIR focused on sharing its innovations with other cities through workshops, exchanges and dissemination events, promoting replication and broader adoption. The involvement of the National Association of Municipalities also facilitated the potential scaling of these solutions across Bulgaria.