Reggio Emilia Basin Plan

Objectives and regulatory context

We contributed to the drafting of the Basin Plan for the sub-area of the Province of Reggio Emilia, a strategic document dedicated to the reorganisation of the local urban and extra-urban public transport network. The project is part of the measures provided for by regional and national legislation. Furthermore, it supports the implementation of sustainable, resilient and integrated mobility at provincial level.

Methodological approach and network reorganisation

The activity involved reorganising the local public transport network based on a data-driven approach. For this reason, we analysed mobility demand, prioritised routes and carried out a participatory comparison with local stakeholders. The proposed strategy is based on a tiered network, with a high-capacity primary system and a more extensive secondary network. In addition, the introduction of on-demand services in areas with low demand has been planned.

Efficiency of supply and role of Mobility Centres

The road transport service has been reorganised according to criteria of efficiency, interchangeability and recognisability. As a result, overlaps between urban and extra-urban services have been reduced. A key element of this structure is represented by Mobility Centres and interchange stops, designed as fundamental hubs of the system.

A new paradigm for provincial mobility

The document introduced a new paradigm for provincial public transport. The network has been designed as an adaptive system, capable of responding to local needs based on the actual requirements of students, workers and residents. In addition, “appointment-based” logic, more extensive intermodality and optimisation of contract resources were considered. The result is a more reliable, accessible structure that is consistent with sustainability objectives.

Results and territorial impacts

Through this assignment, we have contributed to the definition of a replicable and adaptable network model, useful for increasing the attractiveness of public transport and reducing dependence on private cars. Furthermore, the Basin Plan strengthens the cohesion between urban planning and transport services, improving quality of life and supporting the socio-economic development of the areas served.