Let's meet Moravian-Silesian Region to understand better the region's expected results in terms of mobility thanks to the participation to RESOLVE project.
1) How do you evaluate RESOLVE's first year? What have you learnt so far?
The participation in the project is a great experience for Moravian-Silesian region and its Local Stakeholder Group, we have had the opportunity to welcome foreign mobility professionals from Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and at the same time we had the opportunity to personally experience the application of sustainable mobility activities by one of the partners in Växjö, Sweden. Based on the peer review and the outcome of these negotiations, some steps in the city of Opava have been initiated, such as appealing to the Municipal Police for increased activity within the city center, especially restrictions (parking, vandalism, etc.). At the same time, introduction of parking zones, extension of the paid parking zone. Furthermore, there is an effort to modify the public transport system - to increase the proportion of public transport users or to stabilize this number. Peer review has allowed us to correctly set up the steps to achieve a proper parking organization within the city. At the same time, we received the recommendation on how to revise the SUMP. The study visit in Växjö, Sweden, has been stimulating for us in particular in the area of building cycling infrastructure and attractive public transport. Among the key steps for making public transport more attractive is the installation of wifi technology in public transport vehicles, increasing the quality of maintenance of public transport vehicles. Regarding cycling activities, the key steps would be building an attractive cycling infrastructure or involving employers and the city of Ostrava into the process of establishing cycling infrastructure and overall support to cyclotourism in the city.
2) Which is your main focus and which are the main RESOLVE activities at local level? Which will be the main outcomes of RESOLVE?
The Moravian-Silesian Region is a partner of the RESOLVE project, the cities of Ostrava and Opava are the members of the "Local Stakeholders Group". Both cities plan to address topics such as making the city centre accessible to sustainable forms of transport, avoiding retailers' outflows by balancing their demands and needs in terms of transport organization and traffic, and ultimately finding the most acceptable urban development solutions. Both Ostrava and Opava wish to revive the historical centre of the city, the development of entrepreneurial activities in the retail sector is therefore crucial. The general increase in attractiveness of public transport in Ostrava will contribute, among other things, to the creation of comfortable and safe hubs with an attractive offer of connections and increased safety in vehicles.
3) How do you see mobility in your city/region by 2021 and how will RESOLVE contribute to achieve these objectives and vision?
Both cities have elaborated a SUMP, their processing was pilot within the Czech Republic.
The extension of the pedestrian zone in the centre of Opava and the introduction of residential parking in the wider centre of the city will satisfy the residents' parking demand and the city centre will be a more sought after location. The construction of a high-capacity parking house at the East Railway Station will contribute to increase the use of public transport, train and suburban transport. Bicycle trails will safely overcome major roads and are connected to a comprehensive system. Public transport vehicles will be fully low-emission, with non-emission electric buses that will supplement the dense network of trolleybuses lines. The city will be equipped with a network of intelligent stops that will inform about the current traffic situation and provide a range of services. The northern and southern bypasses will be completed which will reroute most of the traffic, and the entire transit will pass the city at a great distance.
The city centre of Ostrava will be a popular locality for retailers and citizens: parking will be logically systematized, especially for residents. The city will be covered by the P + R / P + G car parks. Easier orientation will be provided by the smart tram stops network. All buses will be also low-emission. The centre of Ostrava will be complemented by a new direct tram line and modern cyclo infrastructure will be available for commuting to work.
Resolve is a supporting mechanism in the planning process, especially in the sustainable development and recovery of the city centre. Through a multidisciplinary approach (key players in different disciplines), Resolve will allow us to address the specific situation and to identify the concrete steps to follow. It will contribute through study visits to gain experience and contacts from other cities, by exchanging different point of views.
