Cascais: Improving mobility for children

From Juan Arevalo

2 minutes reading time

Locations:

Cascais (Portugal)

Challenge area:

Multimodality

Pollution Reduction

Implementation period:

Started

Supported by: EIT Urban Mobility

The Challenge

Most residents in São Domingos de Rana commute daily either in the direction of Cascais center to the western side, or in the direction of Lisbon to the eastern side. In both directions, there are transport services of above reasonable quality that can take commuters to their destination.

In this context, the mobility department considers that one line of action needed to obtain a further modal shift to public transport is to eliminate barriers felt by the population to dispense car use. Like in many urban contexts, a major barrier identified by commuters contemplating alternatives to car use is the fact that they have to take their children to school. 50% of children in S. Domingos Rana are driven by car to school. When they do not live within walking distance and cycling is not perceived as safe and reliable, parents become dependent on the car and extend its use to their commuting routine.

This challenge has the objective of creating new alternatives to single car use in taking children to school that are used. Some of the possible solutions could be delivered along the following lines of approach: Shared transport between different children, including business operated or community driven solutions; Making autonomous walking or cycling to school safe and secure.

The Solution

The city of Cascais, Portugal, has recently implemented the innovative CHILDFY project, funded by EIT Urban Mobility's RAPTOR programme.

The project focused on providing new mobility solutions to students and young children, with the aim of creating a more sustainable urban mobility system in the city. The CHILDFY project has been designed to specifically address the needs of students and young children, ensuring that their trips to and from school and other destinations are as safe and comfortable as possible. The project is centred around shared mobility solution, which involves creating a comprehensive platform upon which users can access a wide range of transport options.

Through the app, parents can combine and offer transport with other parents for their children, ensuring they get to school efficiently and safely.

Through the CHILDFY platform, users can access information on the various transport options available, such as public transport, shared mobility, and on-demand services. The platform also includes an online booking system, allowing users to book their preferred mode of transport in advance. Additionally, the platform provides real-time updates on the availability of transport services and the estimated time of arrival.