FEDORA has published Deliverable D4.1 – Optimization and Incentivization Models for Multimodal Networks, presenting a set of new approaches to help cities manage transport networks more efficiently while encouraging people to make smarter and more sustainable travel choices.
The deliverable brings together three key areas of innovation. The first is a Social Optimum Model for multimodal nodes and corridors, designed to look beyond individual journeys and consider how the transport network as a whole can perform better. By using current and historical traffic information, the model can support more balanced management of roads and transport connections, helping reduce congestion and make better use of available network capacity.
The second area explores dynamic pricing and incentives as tools for managing transport demand. Rather than relying only on traditional congestion charges, FEDORA is investigating approaches that could be more acceptable and equitable for travellers. These include non-monetary mechanisms such as tradable mobility credits and “Karma” schemes, as well as ways of communicating incentives more clearly and allocating transport resources according to individual needs.
The third component focuses on optimising multimodal hubs—the places where different transport services come together. The FEDORA tool uses mobility and traffic data to explore where hubs should be located, which services they should provide and how much capacity they need. This work is complemented by a multimodal journey planner and innovative traffic-sensing approaches using UAVs, helping to understand how different solutions could affect traffic and travel behaviour.
Together, these models provide FEDORA with a toolkit for making transport networks more efficient, responsive and user-centred. The approaches will continue to be developed and tested through simulations and real-world pilots, helping identify practical ways to improve mobility while addressing the challenges of congestion, fairness and changing travel needs.