Rotterdam responds to the smart mobility trend in various ways. The city is experimenting with smart solutions for urban traffic.

ParkeerSlim app

One example of such a solution is the ParkeerSlim app, which prevents residents of the Rotterdam neighbourhood Blijdorp to have to spend ages looking for a parking space. The app uses road surface sensors. The sensors keep track of whether a parking space is available or occupied. Residents/participants can use the app to find out where there are available parking spaces.

Traffic flow

Several solutions for the smooth flow of traffic are also being tested. One example is a test related to truck platooning in the port. This system concerns multiple trucks travelling in a very short distance from one another. The trucks are automated and communicate electronically. There is a lot to be gained from this ‘truck train’: fuel savings, improved road safety and more efficient flows of traffic, which also offers cost savings. Apart from the experiments, lots of sensors are currently already in use. Such as rain sensors for cyclists. When it rains, the sensors communicate this to the traffic lights and the green light for the cyclists is triggered more quickly.

Rotterdam Mobility Lab

Rotterdam also encourages entrepreneurs to invest in developing smart solutions for mobility issues. The Rotterdam Mobility Lab provides space for new and innovative ideas that contribute to improved accessibility. Participating start-ups are supported by €25,000 in funding, which they can use for marketing and communication, contacting customers and investors, and to scale up.