Daily commuting is an integral part of life for millions of Europeans, yet its impact extends far beyond simply getting from one place to another. The quality of the commuting experience influences people’s wellbeing, productivity and willingness to choose sustainable transport options. As cities seek to increase the use of public transport and active mobility, understanding commuters’ experiences is essential to designing transport systems that are not only efficient, but also people-centred.
To contribute to this discussion, EIT Urban Mobility commissioned a survey exploring the relationship between commuting and mental wellbeing across Barcelona, Munich and Bucharest. Conducted among 1,503 respondents, the research highlights both common challenges and city-specific differences. Safety, reliability and comfort consistently rank as the highest priorities, yet traffic congestion, overcrowding and service reliability continue to affect the quality of daily journeys. More than two in five respondents reported feeling completely drained after their commute, demonstrating the significant impact that everyday travel can have on mental wellbeing.
Taking place during European Mobility Week, this 60-minute online webinar will use the survey findings as a starting point for a broader conversation between European cities. Despite their different local contexts, many cities face similar mobility challenges. The discussion will explore the barriers to increasing public transport and active mobility, while showcasing practical initiatives that cities are implementing to improve the commuting experience and support citizens’ wellbeing.
The event will also contribute to the conversation leading up to Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress by promoting the exchange of good practices and encouraging peer learning among cities.
Agenda
- Welcome remarks by Yann Simon from EIT Urban Mobility City Club, including a presentation of the survey’s key findings.
- A panel discussion with representatives from the three participating cities, exploring shared mobility challenges and successful local initiatives, including:
- Camille Sarazin, journalist at France 24, as moderator
- Adrià Gomila, Mobility Director at Barcelona City Council
- Melanie Grötsch, Head of Research in the Department of Mobility at the City of Munich
Registration through our online networking platform, Mobility Innovators.