GEMINI: Accelerating the Advancement of New and Shared Mobility Solutions

UNDERSTANDING GEMINI

GEMINI is a pioneering initiative focused on accelerating the deployment of new and shared mobility services over the next decade. The project aims to significantly reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning with the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. GEMINI’s core objective is to integrate shared mobility options with public transportation systems through public Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms, ensuring seamless, affordable, and sustainable urban transport.

The project involves establishing Mobility Living Labs (MLLs) in eight European cities: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Ljubljana, Munich, Paris, Porto, and Turin. These labs will serve as test beds for innovative mobility solutions, engaging local communities in the co-creation and implementation processes. Key innovations include developing sustainable business models, creating a shared mobility data space, and deploying AI-driven mobility intelligence platforms.

Expected results include a substantial reduction in urban congestion, air pollution, and road risk, along with enhanced social inclusion and accessibility. By increasing the share of new mobility services by at least 25% in participating cities, GEMINI aims to foster a more integrated, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem. The project will also provide policy recommendations and scalable frameworks to support the widespread adoption of these solutions across Europe.

Description of the Activities

One of the most successful and worth emphasizing activities in the GEMINI project is the establishment and operationalization of the Mobility Living Labs (MLLs) across eight European cities. These labs are crucial for testing and refining innovative shared mobility solutions and for fostering community engagement and co-creation, which are fundamental to the project’s success.

Mobility Living Labs (MLLs) function as dynamic ecosystems where various stakeholders, including local communities, public authorities, mobility service providers, and research institutions, collaborate to develop, test, and implement new shared mobility services. Each lab tailors its activities to the specific needs and characteristics of its city, ensuring that solutions are relevant and impactful.

Key Features Setting These Activities Apart

Holistic and Inclusive Approach: Unlike traditional top-down implementations, MLLs emphasize co-creation with local communities. This participatory approach ensures that the solutions developed are user-centric and address the real needs of the people they are designed to serve.
Integration of Multiple Transport Modes: The labs focus on integrating various shared mobility options (e.g., car sharing, bike sharing, e-scooters) with public transportation systems. This integration is facilitated through advanced Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms that enable seamless planning, booking, and payment.

The activities within the MLLs directly align with the EU’s priorities, particularly the European Green Deal and the Urban Mobility Framework. By promoting sustainable and smart mobility solutions, GEMINI contributes to the EU’s goal of achieving a 90% reduction in transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Additionally, the project supports the development of climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, in line with the EU Missions.

Facing and Addressing Key Challenges

The following are some of the key challenges faced by the GEMINI project and the solutions implemented to overcome them

Challenges	Overcoming Challenges
Diverse Stakeholder Interests: Balancing the different priorities and objectives of the numerous stakeholders involved was challenging.	Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Regular workshops, meetings, and collaborative platforms were established to ensure continuous dialogue and alignment among stakeholders.
Technological Integration: Ensuring seamless interoperability between various mobility services and public transport required sophisticated technical solutions.	Advanced Data Integration Solutions: The project leveraged state-of-the-art technology, such as AI-driven mobility intelligence platforms and shared mobility data spaces, to integrate different transport modes effectively.

Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Emissions, and Improving Quality of Life

The following outlines how the GEMINI project has enhanced operational efficiency, contributed to emissions reduction, and improved quality of life:

Impact of GEMINI Project on:
Efficiency	The integration of multiple transport modes through MaaS platforms has streamlined urban mobility, reducing waiting times and improving travel efficiency for users.
Emissions Reduction	Preliminary data from the MLLs indicate significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions due to the increased adoption of shared and electric mobility options.
Quality of Life	By reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transport, the project has improved air quality and reduced noise pollution, enhancing the overall urban living environment.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaboration in MLLs involved public authorities, private mobility providers, technology developers, and local communities. This multi-stakeholder approach ensured that the solutions were not only innovative but also practical and widely accepted. Lessons learned include the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement and the value of flexibility in adapting to local contexts.

Use of New Technologies and Innovative Approaches

The following are some of the new technologies and innovative approaches considered within the GEMINI project:

New Technologies: AI-driven data analytics and real-time mobility management platforms were employed to optimize service delivery and user experience.
Innovative Approaches: The project utilized disruptive business models, such as Mobility as a Commons (MaaC), which focuses on community-owned mobility solutions. These models are now being scaled and replicated in other cities within the project’s network.