EMOVA is a new EU-funded project that connects mobility data from Barcelona and Genoa to show whether city transport policies are really working. It is part of the European Data Space for Smart Communities programme, a European initiative that helps cities share data safely and reuse it. EMOVA is a flagship pilot: it tests the approach in two real cities so that other cities across Europe can follow it. The project is coordinated by FACTUAL.
Why measuring impact from LEZ matters
Cities make transport decisions every day with only part of the picture. Vehicle labels are used instead of measured emissions, and traffic, public transport and air quality systems don't share their data with each other. That means the impact of measures such as low-emission zones (LEZ) is often assumed, not proven.
EMOVA replaces assumptions with evidence. By bringing these data sources together, with clear rules on who can access and use them, it gives city authorities and transport operators the information they need to plan cleaner, less congested urban mobility.
What EMOVA will deliver in Barcelona and Genoa
Barcelona: the Barcelona Metropolitan Area will have real evidence of whether its low-emission zone is improving air quality across its 36 municipalities. Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya will gain insight into how many people are switching from car to train, and will be able to send passengers real-time alerts about their stations.
Genoa: the Comune di Genova will see in real time whether freight traffic is moving smoothly or causing congestion on the 520 km of roads that connect its port to the city. This means the city can react as traffic builds up, instead of finding out after congestion has hit.
Our role in EMOVA
Earthpulse will lead EMOVA as project coordinator and as leader of the Barcelona pilot. As coordinator, we bring the partners and both cities together around one shared way of working with data. In Barcelona, we are responsible for turning that approach into practical results for the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
Learn more about EMOVA
Cleaner air and calmer streets depend on better data, shared in the right way. To find out more about EMOVA and follow its progress, visit www.emova-project.eu.
