Czech-Austrian Exchange in Vienna: Setting New Standards for Systemic Urban Mobility

On February 4–5, 2026, a high-level study trip to the innovative city of Vienna and a workshop under the Active2Public Transport (A2PT) project was implemented. While the A2PT project spans several countries across the Danube region, this specific mission served as a strategic bridge between Czech and Austrian partners, bringing together key Czech stakeholders—including representatives from ministries, local governments, and the media—with international experts to explore national programs supporting safe, sustainable, and friendly transport.

The mission was organized in close collaboration with the project’s Lead Partner, the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA), and the Associated Strategic Partner (BMIMI – Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure).

The primary goal of the visit was to demonstrate to the Czech delegation how systemic, long-term national support can transform urban mobility. A key message emphasized that successful transformation requires more than isolated infrastructure projects—it demands a robust methodological framework , and consistent financing.

The Czech participants were introduced to the Austrian klimaaktiv mobil initiative, a gold standard for supporting cities and regions. This system proves that "more than funding" is needed to achieve real change. The Austrian approach is built on five strategic pillars:

• Awareness raising and campaigns

• Education and Training

• Partnership

• Consulting and advisory services

• Financial support, which is firmly anchored in national strategies and local planning frameworks (e.g., SUMPs or Walking Master Plans).

By linking funding to specific strategic conditions, the system motivates cities to move away from ‘pilot-only’ thinking towards comprehensive urban networks — a model that provides significant inspiration for the Czech national environment.

The afternoon sessions focused on the practical application of the project’s key output: the A2PT Online Toolbox. This digital instrument is designed to help public authorities, transport planners, and infrastructure providers better manage multimodality and station accessibility.

During the expert focus groups, future users provided crucial feedback focused on the tool’s practical usability in real-world environments. Participants evaluated the beta version of the Toolbox based on core criteria: clarity of information, aesthetic design, readability, and the ease of navigating specific topics.

The discussion centered on the nine "Fields of Action"—the fundamental building blocks of the tool—ranging from accessibility and safety to parking and sharing, data processing, communication, and integrated tariffs.

This collaborative testing phase ensures that the final version of the A2PT Toolbox will be a highly functional asset for the entire Danube region, directly reflecting the needs of those who shape our streets.

The program also included on-site visits to successful urban transformations, such as the Argentinenstraße bicycle street and the revitalized areas surrounding Westbahnhof and Mariahilferstraße. These examples showcased to the Czech delegation how the combination of expert guidance and systemic state support leads to safer and more inclusive public spaces.

In conclusion, the study trip to Vienna was a significant step toward bridging the gap between national policy and local implementation. The combination of Austrian systemic know-how and the practical testing of the A2PT Toolbox has prepared the Czech participants to drive the future of integrated mobility not only in their home towns but as leaders within the wider Danube region.