Economic Dimension of Sustainable Mobility

The economic dimension of sustainable mobility focuses on aligning mobility development with principles of resource efficiency, decoupling, and long-term economic viability. It examines how transport systems can support economic growth without exacerbating environmental degradation or social inequality. The topics in this section are mapped to the GreenComp framework, with emphasis on Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Vision for a Sustainable Future. Students are encouraged to evaluate traditional economic indicators, explore alternative metrics, and propose transport solutions that balance economic performance with sustainability goals. Detailed analyses of these themes are provided in the subsequent chapters of the module.

Study of the Economic Pillar of Sustainable Development in the Context of Transport

This topic primarily develops competencies in the domains of “Systems Thinking,” “Critical Thinking,” and “Vision for a Sustainable Future.” Students learn how economic growth can be aligned with environmental goals through the principle of decoupling—separating economic development from negative environmental impacts. They critically assess traditional economic indicators such as GDP and consider their limitations in relation to sustainability. The topic also supports solution-oriented competencies, guiding students to design transport development strategies that do not increase emissions or resource consumption. It promotes an integrated perspective on economy, society, and the environment. Emphasis on measuring transport indicators within the economic pillar also strengthens data literacy and indicator-based analysis.

Freight Intermodal Transport

This topic fosters competencies primarily in the domains of “Systems Thinking,” “Sustainable Action,” and “Critical Thinking.” Students learn how effective combinations of transport modes—such as rail, water, and road—can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of freight transport. Intermodal solutions enable route optimization, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and better infrastructure utilization, contributing to sustainable development in cities and regions. The topic supports competencies in designing innovative logistics systems that consider local conditions, terminal availability, and economic needs. Students learn to critically evaluate transport strategies, work with freight and emissions data, and collaborate with stakeholders—from public authorities to private carriers—to find economically efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Logistics Centers in Urban Freight Transport

This topic develops competencies primarily in the domains of “Systems Thinking,” “Sustainable Action,” and “Collective Action.” Students learn to understand the role of various types of logistics hubs (e.g., distribution centers, microhubs, cross-dock facilities) in optimizing goods flows and reducing the negative impacts of transport on urban environments. They enhance their ability to plan effective center locations, analyze transport flows, and propose solutions that reduce emissions, noise, and traffic congestion. The topic also supports participatory competencies, as successful implementation of logistics centers requires cooperation among public administration, private carriers, and city residents. Students learn to integrate environmental and economic goals into urban logistics planning and view transport as a tool for improving urban quality of life.

CBTC in Railway Transport

This topic fosters competencies primarily in the domains of “Systems Thinking,” “Critical Thinking,” and “Sustainable Action.” Students learn how modern train control technologies—such as CBTC and its integration with ERTMS—can enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of railway transport. The topic supports analytical skills in evaluating the impacts of automation on operations, energy consumption, and infrastructure capacity. CBTC enables timetable optimization, energy efficiency improvements, and better track utilization, contributing to sustainable transport development. Students also develop competencies in designing technological solutions that support modal shift from road to rail—promoting more environmentally friendly passenger and freight transport.