On July 3, 2025, a Living Lab was held in Milan, marking a key step in a broader participatory process to co-design a new on-demand transport service using modular vehicles. Coordinated by AMAT with the support of the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA) and involving all project partners, the event brought together citizens, user representatives, public authorities, public transport operators, university researchers, and industry stakeholders to discuss critical aspects such as pilot areas, user experience, and service governance.
From the outset, actively involving stakeholders has enabled a shared and ongoing definition of the service, grounded in the real needs of local territories and communities. Considerations on suitable areas for experimentation, as well as initial reflections on integration with existing transport systems, have emerged through dialogue with stakeholders, supported by concrete data and operational knowledge.
During the day, participants had also the opportunity to test ride the NExT modular vehicle, experiencing its features firsthand. This hands-on trial was complemented by direct interactions with technical experts, designers, and mobility professionals, allowing attendees to ask questions, share impressions, and deepen their understanding of the vehicle’s potential and its integration into future urban transport systems.
The design of the user experience has benefited from the feedback gathered during the event—both through open discussions and the hands-on vehicle testing. The Living Lab also initiated a structured debate on service governance and long-term sustainability, laying a solid foundation for the next phases of experimentation, aligned with the goals of the European Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.
More about our Follower City Milan
As a Follower City in the metaCCAZE project, Milan is focused on integrating cutting-edge mobility solutions to enhance its urban transport network. Known for its bustling metropolitan area, Milan faces unique challenges in providing efficient, flexible transit options in requalified areas and university campuses. During the living lab, a real-world demonstration of an on-demand service will be carried out in a suburban neighbourhood of Metropolitan Milan to facilitate both first/last mile and door-to-door trips. The service will feature the unique aspect of allowing users to smoothly interchange vehicles during their trip, using a fleet of e-pods. This intermodal exchange will occur when the time saved for both users and operators outweighs the discomfort or inconvenience caused by the change, thus enhancing both service levels and efficiency. By leveraging insights from Trailblazer Cities and engaging local stakeholders, Milan aims to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable mobility system, aligned with its vision for climate-neutral urban development. Learn more here.