On November 13 and 14, 2024, Parma welcomed partners of the "Schoolhoods - Safe, Green, and Happy Ways to School" URBACT Action Planning Network for the Mid-Term Reflection Meeting. Schoolhoods fosters and promotes strategies, activities, and best practices to encourage green travel—walking, cycling, and public transportation—for students commuting to and from school.
During the meeting, partners reviewed progress from the first year and planned upcoming activities. In the opening sessions, our Lead Expert presented results from the mid-term reflection survey, showing that all cities are actively engaging local stakeholders in developing integrated action plans and pilot actions. Partners also shared the challenges they face at the local level and explored ways to support one another in advancing the project's goals.
With the collaboration of the two public companies working with the Municipality on mobility (TEP, the public transport operator, and Infomobility – the company managing sustainable and shared mobility services in the city), the event included study visits to explore Parma's innovative approaches to student mobility:
A visit to the bus depot, featuring the Happybus service and its tailored facilities for students.
A tour of the intermodal hub at Parma's railway station, highlighting sustainable mobility services such as the cycle workshop and solutions for students and commuters.
Additionally, participants observed a school street initiative in action, witnessing firsthand how the Municipality creates safe and green environments for students at the start of the school day.
The Mid-Term Reflection Meeting was a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure all partners remain aligned in their mission to create safer, greener, and more joyful school commutes.