When planning their transport policy, cities usually focus on developing sustainable transport systems and reducing the negative consequences of transport. One way to deliver transport policies is to use the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), a strategic document designed to meet the demand for mobility whilst ensuring adequate quality of life for the residents. The process of Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP process) can be supported by using a transport model. The objective of this article is to analyse the efficacy of the Multilevel Model of Transport Systems—referred to by its acronym, MST—for the SUMP process. With its ability to represent the transport system’s behaviour depending on the level of detail, the MST can significantly benefit the SUMP process. The proposed concept of integration of the MST into the SUMP process has already been tested and applied in delivering Gdynia’s (Poland) SUMP. The paper suggests ways to use the MST at different levels of planning and modelling and describes the outcomes. Using the multilevel structure helps to fully realise the transport model’s potential to improve the effectiveness of urban mobility planning. The conclusions show that the methods proposed in the article are worthwhile and cities should consider them when planning the SUMP process.

Transport in cities is one of the most important sources of emissions. Electromobility is an essential element in the catalogue of activities of local authorities aimed at combating climate change. Over the years trolleybus transport has been characterised by both phases of development and regression and is still an essential component of zero-emission urban transport in about 300 cities worldwide. The development of electricity storage technology, especially in the form of a battery, has opened up new prospects for this mode of transport. A trolleybus equipped with a battery (in-motion charging technology) gains unique characteristics for operation independent of the catenary. This study presents the approach for assessing the development of in-motion charging for trolleybuses in all Polish cities operating this means of transport. A set of KPIs has therefore, been set and analysed. The analysis covers a comparison between 2014 and 2019, aimed at showing the development of technological innovations in this field. The results clearly show that in-motion charging technology leads to the development of trolleybus transport, although this development has mainly a qualitative dimension. A key factor determining the development of trolleybus transport using in-motion charging technology is progress in the development of traction batteries.

Electromobility is one of the leading trends transforming public transport worldwide. Supported by international organizations, such as the European Union, and national cofounding, public transport operators and local authorities are taking strategic decisions on the direction and scope of the electrification of rolling stock. Most of the electric buses that are being put into operation replace the previously used conventional buses, and consequently, most of the electric buses are operating on existing bus lines. By applying a strategic approach to selecting bus routes for electrification, the advantages of electric vehicles can be maximized. Based on a case study of the Polish city of Gdynia, this paper explores the usefulness of the multi-criteria analysis for selecting the bus lines for electrification. Multi-criteria analysis methods help decision makers to consider and weigh diverse criteria that include, among others, economic, social, technological and environmental aspects. To fulfil the above purpose, the paper compares different methods for evaluating electromobility options at an early stage. The primary research methods include multi-criteria analysis, literature review and case study analysis. An example of using multi-criteria analysis in the decision-making process of in-motion charging trolleybuses to replace diesel buses on particular lines is discussed and concluded. It is found that the multi-criteria analysis method could be used at an early but important stage of the operational level when particular lines to be replaced are being discussed. Moreover, the case is made that the local context should always be considered, including features of the existing public transport systems, and that cost–benefit analysis should be conducted for the selected optimum scenario.

Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning is on Europe's top agenda for tackling urban transport challenges in cities. European Union policies call for a coordinated approach in increasing the effectiveness of urban mobility planning to achieve climate protection goals. National and local authorities require common guidance on developing and implementing such plans – with broad involvement of public authorities, transport professionals and research. Cities in Central and Eastern Europe have a long planning culture with strong focus on public transport. However, the unprecedented increase of private motorisations calls for innovative strategies to offer sustainable transport solutions to people. Two exemplary cities from the region demonstrate how sustainable transport can be maintained and even expanded. Gdynia (Poland) with its developing economy and relatively young population makes considerable efforts to reduce motor traffic demand in the area. The City's transport policy and strategy is focused on solving relevant transport problems of the city in a sustainable way. This covers the increase of bicycle use, an intelligent mix of different transport options and improving the quality of PT services by means of state of the art information and communication technologies and public participation mechanisms. Koprivnica (Croatia) stands exemplary for numerous medium-sized cities in the region with similar transport challenges. Decision makers work towards a participatory strategy for zero CO2 emission planning and management of housing estates and urban transport. With the vision of developing a regional competence centre for sustainable urban mobility planning the city will attract researchers, students and professionals in this field. Long-term vision of both cities and their dedication to actively share their experiences with other cities has the potential for up-take of sustainable urban mobility planning in the region

Political support for active mobility is growing for many reasons, including land use planning, health, and improved mobility. As the vital part of many cities is their central area, decision-makers need to know what factors are essential for increasing walkability. This paper aims to identify the main factors affecting the walkability of the city centre of Gdynia (Poland). To achieve this, the research design was adjusted to the specificity of the local use case. Based on primary data collected via personal interviews, factor analysis was applied to rule out potential collinearity and reduce dimensions. Logistic regression models were then constructed. The results were compared with the research carried out in other cities. The results show that only two of the analysed factors are significant, namely accessibility and safety. Both are extensive categories and include many subcomponents that are influential among different groups of citizens. Our research also confirms that walkability is a city-specific issue that is influenced by many local factors.

For some time, sustainable urban mobility planning has been in the centre of attention of various cities and municipalities in Poland. Its substance involves integrating the urban transport and spatial policy. While the transport policy is well established in the functioning of Polish cities, its impact on their spatial sphere regarding balancing the mobility is extremely insufficient. The situation is even more difficult in metropolitan areas combining various territorial, functional and spatial subsystems. The article presents the idea and scope of sustainable urban mobility planning, the process of making the mobility in the Polish cities more sustainable, review of strategic documents on the national level referring to the said issue and the process of space metropolization as a challenge for developing mobility in a sustainable manner.