GREENSAM: CITY OF RIGA: MOBILITY LAB

Location: Riga 

Country: Latvia 

Contact Information: Nika Kotoviča, GreenSAM project coordinator Mob. phone: + 371 2922 6404 

Website Address: www.greensam.eu  

  • Project Details:  

The aim of the “GreenSAM” project is to promote green mobility in Baltic Sea region cities, focusing on one user group – older urban residents, ensuring they have extensive opportunities to actively use environmentally friendly urban transport. 

As a result, through the co-design process with active participation from the target group and the public, local municipalities’ knowledge about senior mobility needs are improved, the effectiveness of green mobility services are enhanced, and the proportion of seniors using green mobility services are increased. 

Thematic Area: Digitalisation. 

Thematic Sub-category: Sustainable Mobility, Smart city domains for the citizens in green cities, Smart city solutions and tools  

Type of Actor/Agent: Local Council 

Typology of Green Urban Site: Semi Urban 

  • Zaļās pilsētas elementi used – Public Transport, Shared Mobility and MaaS, Multimodal Mobility, Smart People, Smart Governance, Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Citizen Engagement, Co-creation in Urban Planning. 
  • Engagement and Consultation:  

Target Group – Citizens, senior citizens 

Public Engagement – Proper public engagement, presentations, focus groups, workshop with small discussion, survey or feedback forms at public meetings, In-person focus group. 

E-tools: 

– GreenSAM tool box – Mobility LAB chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://greensam.eu/toolbox/Mobility_Lab.pdf,  

– GreenSAM tool box – online event tools chrome-chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://greensam.eu/toolbox/Mobility_Lab.pdf 

– GreenSAM tool box – questionnaires chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://greensam.eu/toolbox/Questionnaire.pdf 

  • Innovation and Impact:  

Level of Scale of Innovation: 5 

Abstract of Elements of Innovation – Riga city’s approach to urban mobility has been forward-thinking, leveraging technological innovations like blockchain and emphasizing public consultation. The city’s vision is not just about smart infrastructure but also about fostering smart citizens who actively participated in and benefited from these advancements. Innovations include:  

  • Blockchain Technology: Riga had considered blockchain to foster cooperation among state, municipal, and private transport operators. This technology promised transparency, streamlined operations, and improved trust. 
  • Integrated Mobility Services: The city aimed to develop smart, integrated hybrid services, combining different modes of transport and service providers into a unified system. 
  • Public Consultation: Before finalizing any blockchain application, concerned parties were consulted, ensuring an inclusive decision-making process. 
  • Open Digital Mobility System: Riga envisioned a digitally open mobility system, adaptable to integrate new services as they emerged, enhancing user experience. 
  • Behavioral Incentives: The system incorporated economical nudges, encouraging citizens to adopt greener mobility habits, thus promoting sustainability. 
  • Open API Framework: An open API allowed third-party developers to integrate new digital services, ensuring the continuous evolution of the city’s transportation network.  

Expected Impact High. 

  • Analysis: – Needs analysis conducted. 
  • Benefits (B) and Challenges (C):  

(B) Improved Air Quality, Well-being benefits (such as people’s perception of increased biodiversity and improved visual quality of the environment), Social cost savings (such as the impact of reduced air pollution), Providing educational opportunities. 

(C) High regulatory barriers exist for blockchain solutions that use various types of cryptocurrency settlements or public blockchains, which make the data recorded in the blockchain freely available to all interested parties. 

  • Resources and Transferability:  

Teaching Materials/Resources: https://greensam.eu/portfolio/city-of-riga-mobility-lab/  

Personal Skills Required: Medium 

Non-discriminatory Principles Yes 

Transferability Potential High 

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