In the framework of TRENDSETTER, 52 specific measures were implemented in different thematic areas. The complementary, mutually reinforcing measures focused on advanced mobility management schemes and clean vehicle fleets. The project also promoted the use of public transportation and other alternatives to the private car and illustrated new approaches to improve logistics and the efficiency of goods distribution. In addition, TRENDSETTER increased public acceptance of bio-fuels and encouraged operators, politicians and social groups to use innovative, low-noise and low-emission technologies.
TRENDSETTER’s overall strategy was to achieve both short-term energy and emissions reductions and long-term shifts to greater use of public transportation and efficient urban goods flows. The project focused both on heavy vehicles (buses, lorries and vans) and private cars. The project included eight work packages in two major fields:
- better transport mobility management; and
- fleets of clean, cost-effective and energy-efficient vehicles.
These two major fields each covered public, commercial and private transportation. TRENDSETTER built on a mix of policy-based measures and technologies that combined the following activities:
- stimulating the use of public transportation through packages of measures that included new pricing strategies, bus priority systems, innovative information technologies, improved intermodal interchanges and transport demand systems;
- improving efficiency in urban freight transportation through logistics and information provision;
- achieving a higher market penetration for cleaner buses, lorries, vans and cars operating on renewable fuels by coordinated procurement to reduce prices, improved infrastructure;
- promoting alternatives to the private car through innovative services; and
- encouraging policy changes towards more sustainable urban transport systems.