It's time for S.M.A.R.T. solutions!

The INNOAIR project strives for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely solutions - creating a sustainable and economically sensible system that responds to citizens' preferences and increases their satisfaction with public transport.

Our hectic daily lives increasingly require us to anticipate the perfect time to move from point A to point B, and the main concern of local governments remains the problem of air quality. Large cities are most affected by the problems of modern times, including this one. The use of private cars, along with the conveniences they provide, is increasingly putting commuters in difficult situations and causing them to look for other ways of getting around in urban environments. Solutions related to congestion modelling, public transport delays, on demand green public transport and low emission zones/corridors are of interest not only to Sofia but also to other cities in the country that are experiencing problems with population concentration.

The solution lies in providing greater convenience for passengers and giving them a choice of alternative transport options to suit their needs. INNOAIR project, the first Bulgarian project funded by the EU's Urban Innovative Actions initiative, which promotes the testing of innovative solutions in modern urban environments, is working in this direction. 

During the first phase of the project various experimental models were developed in the thematic area of the project - innovative solutions for mobility and green travel. Their application allows to test a set of coordinated tools that lead to:

* On demand green public transport, formed by a platform with machine learning and advanced analytics capabilities, which is supported by mini electric buses;

* Models to analyze and reduce the negative effects of congestion;

* Low-emission urban zones preventing vehicles from entering the city center and designated areas on polluted days;

* Green corridors for active transport.

The concept of on demand green public transport resonates with the desires of consumers as seen through their eyes and reflecting their lifestyles. The system analyzing this aspect was developed by Plovdiv University within the INNOAIR project. Up until now ready-made and widely applied options for transport in urban environments were offered, here the focus is placed on the user as a leading figure in the process of searching and offering adequate travel solutions. Attention is paid not only to the rational for choosing a specific mode of transport such as: travel time, waiting time, certainty of the passenger for the calculation of the time of arrival at his destination, etc., but also to aspects such as: lifestyle, fondness to a specific transport, holistic motives, travel comfort, pleasure, etc. The impact of these key indicators on passengers' preferences and satisfaction levels is considered, with service quality leading the way. Part of the given solutions based on the evaluation of customer satisfaction are related to the development of analytical and self-learning systems to suggest optimized travel routes and schedules.