This year the European Mobility Week (September 16-22) introduced the theme ‘Better connections’ – a topic most relevant for big cities like Sofia.

The five pillars of 'Better connections' are People, Places, Packages, Planning & Policy. The main goal of the campaign was to highlight and foster synergies between people and places, to raise awareness about sustainable mobility and promote behavioural change in favour of active mobility, in addition to reaching out and making connections between existing groups and new audiences.

The European Mobility Week in Sofia was marked with abundant and diverse programme. Sofia Urban Mobility Centre launched the campaign with the event supported by FM+ Radio on road safety to protect the youngest residents of the capital - "Reduce the speed, save a child!". Sofia residents and guests had the opportunity to ride the retro-tram to the South Park and visit the Sofia Summer Fest and the information stand of Sofia Urban Mobility Centre, informing about the new transportation documents for young people and the brand-new innovative demand responsive transport service. Stolichen autotransport in Malashevtsi opened its doors to exhibit the available public transport vehicles. Open Doors Day was also held at the new metro train depot of Metropolitan EAD, where citizens could try out the simulator for training drivers and dispatchers. The visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the modern metro control system. The first two cameras to count bicycles in Sofia were installed and started to operate. There were city walks, competitions, and many different activities.

The last day and the culmination of the European Mobility Week, 22nd September, is the car-free day in hundreds of cities in Europe, and beyond. The City of Sofia closed the city centre for car traffic and Gurko Str. was the starting and final point of the traditional bike ride “Happy biking – healthy living!” organised in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark and Sofia Municipality. The event brought together many cyclists and pedestrians in support of the idea of healthy and sustainable commuting in the city - an alternative to private cars. The new e-minibuses that would provide the INNOAIR in-demand transport, were also presented there to the public.

The European Mobility Week reflected our desire, as well as the desire of people across Europe, to reconnect with each other after months of isolation, restrictions, and bans.