During her participation in the Ecomondo exhibition in Rimini, Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), visited the Metromare electric BRT system, one of the key demonstration sites of the eBRT2030 project (running with IMC trolleybuses). The eBRT project continues to show first-hand how the new generation of electric Bus Rapid Transit systems can bolster sustainable mobility in the urban context.  

Rimini plays a central role in this respect, with Start Romagna leading the experimental activities on the Metromare together with the University of Bologna’s Cesena Campus, ENEL X, ASSTRA, and RINA-C. The demo activities in Rimini focuses on improving the quality, efficiency and resilience of the system through practical innovation with results that can be externalized. As a result, Metromare has become an essential test bed for the eBRT2030’s ambition to accelerate the deployment of high-capacity electric buses. 

During the visit, Paloma Aba Garrote was welcomed by Stefano Sirri, Head of Maintenance at Start Romagna, who guided her through the infrastructure and the operations centre that supervises its daily functioning. She also experienced the service directly with a ride aboard the Metromare vehicle. Following her visit, she expressed her appreciation for the project and the solutions under development, describing the Metromare as a silent, fast and safe service and noting the positive contribution it makes to improving the efficiency and attractiveness of public transport for both residents and visitors in the area. 

The discussions held during the visit provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved so far and to align the next steps as the project advances into its final stage. The Rimini demo-site is currently investigating a wide range of innovations, including new active safety systems, methods to adjust services dynamically based on real-time passenger flows, advanced on-board and stop-level passenger information tools and techniques for predictive maintenance focused on the lifecycle of vehicle batteries. These activities reflect the broader ambition of eBRT2030 to combine cutting-edge technology with practical service improvements that can support Europe’s climate and mobility goals. 

UITP was represented during the visit by Flavio Grazian, Knowledge and Innovation Project Manager, who reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation with local partners in demonstrating the potential of electric BRT systems. Arianna Bichicchi, representing Patrimonio Mobilità Provincia di Rimini, also took part in the discussions, contributing to a shared assessment of the site’s progress and highlighting the upcoming extension of the MetroMare 

This visit followed the recent eBRT2030 General Assembly held in Istanbul in October, where partners from across the consortium, including Start Romagna represented by Strategic Projects Officer Giangiacomo Macari, gathered to review developments across all demonstration sites. The meeting, hosted by IETT with the support of UITP, also included a technical visit to local public transport infrastructure, reinforcing the project’s foundation of shared knowledge and practical exchange. 

The visit of Ms Aba Garrote to Rimini underlines the significance of eBRT2030 within the European Union’s wider commitments and policy goals to not only advance  decarbonisation but also bolster sustainable urban development.