Mobility for Everyone. UPPER workshop at Roma Tre University

MOBILITY FOR ALL: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EUROPEAN UPPER PROJECT

Imagine trying to reach your destination—whether it’s school, work, the doctor, or a friend's house—and being unable to do so because of barriers to mobility. For millions of people across Europe, this isn’t just a hypothetical situation; it’s a tough reality they face every day. Sometimes, the high cost of a ticket makes travel impossible. Other times, navigating digital ticketing systems or lacking accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities creates additional obstacles. Financial difficulties, physical challenges, and digital illiteracy can leave many stranded, cut off from important services and opportunities. These barriers don’t just limit movement—they limit lives. This is why the concept of Mobility as a Right (MaaR) must be at the forefront of discussions about urban development and public policy. Mobility, particularly through public transport, is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It is a gateway to social inclusion, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability. However, these benefits can only be realised if mobility systems are accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all.

For these reasons, last Sept 19 at the prestigious Università Roma Tre, we were happy to be part of the workshop 'LA MOBILITÀ PER TUTTI: L’ESPERIENZA DEL PROGETTO EUROPEO UPPER' organized by Roma Servizi per la Mobilità and Roma Tre

A special event to celebrate the 2025 EU Mobility Week, with a focus on this year's theme, #Mobility4Everyone. This event highlights the hard work done in our project, along with inspiring contributions from our partners, including Roma Capitale, Roma Servizi per la Mobilità, the Italian Rugby Federation, Università Roma Tre, and Consulta Cittadina.

The “Mobility as a Right” (MaaR) concept must be one of the pillars of future transport systems. A strategic vision aiming to ensure inclusive mobility where all citizens are taken into consideration, regardless of their physical and mental capabilities or social and economic background. We firmly believe in Mobility + Inclusiveness = Freedom. Upper Dissemination Manager Francesco Iacorossi  

Deputy Mayor for Mobility Patanè and Eurocities Francesco Iacorossi

Recognising mobility as a fundamental right means designing systems that cater to everyone, regardless of their physical, mental, or social circumstances. It’s about creating public transport that’s not just functional but transformative - enabling freedom, opportunity, and connection. It is worth remembering that several partners within the UPPER Project EU consortium contributed to all EGUM subgroups set up by DG MOVE. They focused on the "Public transport and shared mobility" subgroup, contributing to the writing and adoption of the first set of recommendations. In Topic 4A -How to guarantee public transport inclusiveness considering aging, gender, disabilities, and reduced mobility- UPPER' Mobility as a right concept #MAAR was cited as "one of the pillars of future transport systems."

This is the vision driving the EU-funded UPPER project, which aims to unleash the full potential of public transport and active mobility measures by placing MaaR at its core.

We firmly believe in Accessibility + Inclusiveness = Freedom

Full program here SME_Programma_Mobilità per tutti.docx

Upper's presentazion here