How European cities are transforming rransport and logistics?

Sustainable transport, growing e-commerce demands, and insufficient data – these are the main challenges faced by GreenTurn’s pilot cities: Zaragoza, Poznań, Vienna, Athens, and Lyon. The analysis of their experiences highlights both difficulties and good practices that may serve as reference points for other European cities.

Sustainable Transport

Zaragoza has introduced a Low Emission Zone and is expanding public transport as well as pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Poznań focuses on increasing the share of public transport and cycling in daily travel. Vienna stands out with a very high share of sustainable mobility modes – walking, cycling, and public transport. Athens applies time and weight restrictions for delivery vehicles in the city centre, while Lyon builds its mobility policy around a Low Emission Zone covering key metropolitan areas.

Urban Logistics

Different approaches are being tested in the field of urban logistics: Zaragoza is piloting a booking system for loading and unloading spaces and supporting zero-emission deliveries; Poznań has introduced subscription-based “delivery envelopes”; Vienna is experimenting with consolidation of freight and dynamic planning of loading areas. Athens faces high volumes of freight traffic and uses restrictions on truck access, while Lyon has prepared a Logistics Orientation Document and is developing a logistics observatory.

Data Preparedness

Zaragoza is advancing open data initiatives and participating in digital projects supporting logistics management. Poznań operates open data portals but lacks tools for systematic monitoring of freight flows. Vienna relies on estimates and external research, while Athens has no systematic data collection for logistics. Lyon invests in research and is preparing a logistics observatory to provide long-term monitoring.

Conclusion

The experiences of the five pilot cities show that while all strive to reduce emissions and improve mobility efficiency, the common challenges remain: incomplete data, the need for stronger stakeholder engagement, and better regulatory frameworks. The identified practices form a valuable knowledge base for the next steps of GreenTurn and for other European cities.