tech
March 10, 2026
Instead of buses, taxis! Užice is developing a new 'on-demand' transport model for rural areas (PHOTO)
Užice, Strasbourg (France), Cluj (Romania), Thessaloniki (Greece), Kiskunhalas (Hungary), Mengeš (Slovenia), and Bijelo Polje (Montenegro) are cities that, due to their hilly streets and landscapes, are introducing a new transport model. All the listed cities are participants in the European project 'Smart mobility on demand – SIT FLEXI Transfer Network', which is being implemented within the URBACT IV program, with financial support from the European Union.
TL;DR
- Užice is participating in the European project 'Smart mobility on demand – SIT FLEXI Transfer Network' to introduce an on-demand taxi transport model.
- The project utilizes the 'Demand Responsive Transport' (DRT) model, where transport is organized based on user reservations rather than fixed routes.
- Reservations can be made via phone, mobile application, or online, catering to all age groups.
- The system is based on a successful model from the Coimbra region in Portugal, which covers over 630 settlements with more than 130 drivers.
- In Užice, the project will analyze the introduction of this system in 35 rural settlements with approximately 3,800 inhabitants, integrating local taxi providers.
- A pilot program will be prepared and tested in several rural settlements before a gradual expansion.
- The project is scheduled to run from November 2025 to April 2028.
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