The OPTI-UP, opens an external URL in a new window project is proud to present its latest deliverable — the Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable and Efficient Public Transport Networks in Central Europe. This strategy offers a clear, practical, and adaptable methodology designed to help small and medium-sized cities improve their public transport systems through evidence-based planning, stronger policy integration, and structured stakeholder engagement.

Many smaller cities face challenges such as limited budgets, fragmented data, and insufficient planning capacity. The OPTI-UP Strategy responds to these needs by providing a step-by-step workflow, from analysing the current situation to defining actions, testing scenarios with transport models, and establishing a robust monitoring framework with KPIs.

Developed collaboratively with six pilot cities, the methodology is rooted in real-world experience and shaped through consultations, study visits, internal surveys, and iterative feedback. It includes tools and templates for SWOT analysis, best-practice assessment, goal setting, action definition, modelling, and evaluation — making it a highly practical resource for cities at different levels of readiness.

Key features of the strategy include:

• A practical, modular planning methodology
• Tools for integrating public transport with spatial planning
• Guidance on four-step modelling and LUTI modelling
• Templates for KPIs, action plans, surveys, and best-practice documentation
• Alignment with EU mobility objectives and national policy frameworks
• Stakeholder engagement methods that build ownership and improve decision-making

By providing a structured and transparent planning approach, the Strategy helps cities improve service quality, reduce emissions, strengthen public acceptance, and attract investment for future mobility projects.

The document is particularly relevant for:

• Municipal decision-makers
• Public transport authorities and operators
• Urban planners and technical experts
• Regional development agencies
• Researchers, consultants, and mobility practitioners

With this comprehensive Strategy, OPTI-UP supports cities in building more resilient, user-centred, and environmentally sustainable public transport systems that contribute to broader European goals, including climate neutrality, digital transformation, and more liveable urban environments.

Download the full deliverable (PDF), opens an external URL in a new window

Downaload Policy brief (PDF), opens an external URL in a new window