The project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 tonnes a year by reducing traffic and encourage the use of eco-friendly vehicles.
Emugi programme to reduce pollution and traffic in city of Elgoibar, Spain
- 13 July 2018
Collective transport such as car sharing, bike-sharing or carpooling introduces new mobility habits in the people. Each user is more aware of the use of means of transport and in particular regarding the car.
The city of Elgoibar is working to reduce pollution and create a more sustainable transportation system. The programme, called Emugi, uses various tools to reduce traffic in the city centre and encourages the use of bikes and energy efficient vehicles – all within the context of the Europe 2020 goals.
Promoting eco-friendly vehicles
Emugi offers an urban bike rental system and urges people to use them as an alternative to driving their cars. At present, two electric cars and ten bikes are available inside the city for all citizens. To help the disadvantaged, Emugi contributes a percentage of the bike rental fees to a fund that supports and trains people who are at risk of social exclusion.
Both businesses and citizens can participate in the electric car vehicle programme, which has an e-sharing element. To reduce pollution, the cars are charged at night, taking advantage of renewable energy that is unused at that time.
A system of couriers and package delivery methods has been developed to reduce pollution. Electric vans and pedal-assisted tricycles make deliveries in the city centre. Large retailers and hotels, as well as local shops, participate in the programme. The end goal is to make the system available to residents.
Prototype of pedal-assisted tricycle vehicle
The project also includes the design and development of a prototype pedal-assisted tricycle vehicle in collaboration with the Meka Vocational Training College in Elgoibar.
Reducing pollution
A total amount of 186 372 kilometres have been travelled during 2011 and 2015. This way CO2 emissions have been reduced by 31 tonnes.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Emugi” is EUR 813 734, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 107 972 through the “Basque Country” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.