VANGUARD · Advancing Sustainable Urban Transport in an Enlarged Europe through CIVITAS

CIVITAS VANGUARD will assist the EC Directorate for Transport and Energy in coordinating the “CIVITAS-Plus” phase of its “CIVITAS Initiative” for cleaner and sustainable urban transport, as well as to assist in the dissemination of CIVITAS-Plus results. The project will be implemented by a consortium consisting of European city networks as well as transport, energy and policy oriented organizations and a communications company.Activities will commence with a needs assessment conducted among the CIVITAS-Plus demonstration projects and a broader audience. This will be followed by a ‘Service and Support Strategy’, outlining the target groups, approaches and benefits as well as the areas where coordination and support will be given to demonstration projects. Examples include the continuation and enhancement of a Dissemination Liaison Group, the compilation of individual dissemination tools and the facilitation of information flow. Based on the specific needs of the cities, dedicated working groups and training sessions will be organised, along with comprehensive marketing support. CIVITAS VANGUARD will raise the awareness, disseminate and market the results of CIVITAS-Plus demonstration projects to a wide audience of urban transport practitioners, located in all member states of the enlarged European Union.An ‘Awareness-raising, dissemination and marketing strategy’ will be developed, outlining in detail the communications products and services of CIVITAS VANGUARD. As the central information hub, the CIVITAS website will be maintained and further developed. A range of promotional materials will be produced. Direct support to the CIVITAS Initiative beyond the demonstration cities will be provided through the hosting of the CIVITAS Secretariat and that of the CIVITAS Political Advisory Committee, the organisation of the annual CIVITAS Forums and the prestigious Award ceremonies.