ERGODIC
Combined Passenger and Goods Transportation in Suburb Traffic
- Category
- Project
- Call
- DUT Call 2022
- Duration
- –
- Project coordinator
- Chalmers University of Technology
The ERGODIC project addresses the critical challenge of sustainable mobility in suburban and city-outskirt areas, where reliance on private vehicles dominates due to low demand density. To tackle this, ERGODIC proposes an integrated multimodal transport system using modular electric vehicles and micromobility to jointly serve passengers and goods. We focus on developing viable business and operational models, optimizing multimodal system design, and evaluating social, economic, and environmental impacts. The key research questions are: How can modular vehicles and active mobility be operationalized to flexibly match fluctuating passenger and goods demand in suburban areas? And how can such systems improve accessibility, equity, and sustainability while remaining economically feasible?
ERGODIC introduces a multimodal transport system that integrates modular electric vehicles with shared micromobility to jointly serve passengers and goods in suburban areas. The project will (i) develop sustainable business and demand-matching models, (ii) design and optimize operations using advanced algorithms, (iii) assess social, environmental, and safety impacts through simulations and surveys, and (iv) validate the concept in a real-world pilot at Johannes Kepler University, Linz. Conducted across Sweden, Austria, the UK, and Italy, the project will demonstrate technical feasibility and social acceptance, offering scalable solutions that reduce car dependence and promote equitable, sustainable 15-minute cities.
ERGODIC is expected to deliver a validated multimodal transport solution that integrates modular vehicles and micromobility, reducing suburban reliance on private cars. The project will demonstrate improved accessibility of mobility services. It will generate new business and operational models for combined passenger–freight transport, supported by advanced optimization and simulation tools. By proving feasibility in a real-world pilot, ERGODIC will offer municipalities and mobility providers a scalable pathway to implement sustainable, inclusive, and flexible mobility systems, accelerating the transition toward climate-neutral 15-minute cities.
Austria
Italy
Sweden
United Kingdom
ESG Consultants Ltd, The University of Liverpool, Universität Linz, WSP Sverige AB
British Irish Trading Alliance, City of Linz, Einride AB, Getplus SRL
Links
Contact
Jiaming Wu
jiaming.wu@chalmers.se