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Mobility: still a luxury in rural Europe?

In the EU’s transport policy landscape, rural mobility is gaining overdue attention. Yet, for many people living outside urban centers, getting around remains a daily struggle. In rural areas across Europe, mobility is not a right — it’s often a luxury.

Lack of access to public transport means people rely on private cars to reach essential services like healthcare, education, or work. This car dependency creates structural problems: rising CO₂ emissions, shrinking rural populations, and barriers to developing eco-friendly tourism. Those hit hardest? Young people, the elderly, and lower-income households.

SMARTA-NET: a smart move for rural transport

In response to these challenges, the SMARTA-NET project was launched (2022–2024) as part of the EU’s wider efforts to strengthen sustainable rural mobility. The project resulted in four advisory reports, aiming to equip local and regional policymakers with actionable, eco-conscious strategies.

Can rural areas be part of the public transport network?

The first report, Rural Shared Mobility Solutions, presents over 30 practical models — from scheduling apps to integrated ticketing systems — showing that it’s possible to connect rural services with regional public transport.

But one big question looms: can these solutions last beyond pilot projects, once the EU funding dries up? Without long-term financial support, can local governments afford to maintain these services?

Let’s talk about money – because that’s the real challenge

The second report, Funding Rural Mobility, tackles the elephant in the room: how to pay for it all.

It advocates for hybrid funding models, combining EU and national funds, private investment, and grassroots initiatives like community budgets or microgrants. Public-private partnerships could also be key.

But is this patchwork approach stable enough? Or should the EU consider a dedicated rural mobility fund in its long-term financial framework?

Are rural needs missing from urban mobility plans?

The third report, Integrating Rural Mobility into Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP), highlights a planning gap. SUMPs were designed to improve city transport but often ignore those who live outside city limits but commute daily.

SMARTA-NET suggests fully incorporating rural transport data into the planning process — benefitting both city and countryside.
 But are guidelines enough to shift long-standing planning habits? Or is a deeper change in mindset needed?

Eco-tourism can’t run on cars alone

The fourth report, Sustainable Mobility in Rural Tourism Regions, focuses on tourists — and how they get around. It emphasizes the need for clear, accessible travel information and intermodal options, like mixing hiking, biking, buses, and trains in one seamless journey.

Right now, tourists often rely on cars — especially in remote nature destinations — which creates environmental pressure. But will tourists ditch their cars for a better website or an info campaign, especially if the nearest train station is 30 km away?

Building a rural mobility network that lasts

Beyond the reports, SMARTA-NET launched the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) — a first-of-its-kind platform uniting municipalities, development agencies, and NGOs. Four in-person meetings, online webinars, and custom training sessions in 14 EU countries helped build local know-how and connect stakeholders.

But here’s the big question: now that SMARTA-NET is ending, will EU or national institutions maintain this collaboration infrastructure? Can platforms like ERMN become lasting advisory bodies, or will they fade into one-off success stories?

A low-emission countryside: vision or illusion?

SMARTA-NET aligns with the EU’s Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas, which aims to build strong, resilient, and connected communities by 2040. It also supports the goals of the European Green Deal by pushing for lower emissions and reduced fossil fuel use.

The direction is right. But without institutional and financial commitment, even the best strategies could become just another PDF buried in a digital archive. If the EU truly wants a sustainable, connected countryside, it will take more than ideas — it will take action.

Bottom line?
 For young Europeans dreaming of a greener, more connected future, rural mobility isn’t a side issue. It’s central to the climate fight, social inclusion, and building a Europe that works for everyone — not just city dwellers.

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