Within the framework of Türkiye–EU financial cooperation and under the Sectoral Operational Programme for Transport (USOP) managed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, a study visit was organized within the scope of the SUMP for Trabzon Project, with the participation of representatives from Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and the contractor consortium.

The visit was attended by Ms. Sıla YILDIRIM, Project Contract Manager from the EU Investments Department, and Mr. Umut DEMIRCI from the Procurement Unit; Mr. Samet Ali YILDIZ, SUMP Project Coordinator, and members of the technical team on behalf of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality; as well as Mr. Jose LAFFOND YGES, Team Leader, and Mr. Yucel Erdem DIŞLI, Local Project Manager, representing the project contractor consortium.

On the first day of the study visit, meetings were held hosted by the Municipality of Milan’s Agency for Mobility and Environment (AMAT), where topics such as the city’s sustainable mobility policies, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, public transport systems, and zero-emission zones were discussed. Detailed information was also shared about Milan’s flagship initiative, the “Città 30” (30 km/h speed limit) strategy. During these meetings, participants and Milan officials also exchanged experiences.

Following the meeting, a field visit was made to Piazza Bacone Square within the scope of the “Piazze Aperte – Open Squares” project, implemented by the Municipality of Milan in cooperation with AMAT and with the support of international organizations. During this visit, participants had the opportunity to observe how the square was transformed through a tactical urbanism approach, how public spaces were revitalized with temporary and low-cost interventions, and how sustainable living spaces were created with the participation of residents.

In the second stage of the visit, meetings were held with the Municipality of Parma to evaluate the city’s transport strategies and environmentally friendly practices. Technical observations covered the transformation process of the urban bus fleet with eco-friendly vehicles, the use of intelligent transport systems, micromobility solutions, and bicycle-scooter sharing systems. In addition, the contributions of these systems to reducing carbon emissions and improving urban accessibility were emphasized.

On the final day of the visit, a technical tour was carried out in the city of Bergamo, focusing on the funicular system, one of the city’s characteristic modes of transport. This solution, which integrates Bergamo’s historical fabric with modern transport systems, was evaluated as an alternative model particularly for cities with topographical challenges. Elements such as energy efficiency, ticketing integration, and accessibility were also observed.

This technical study visit represented a significant milestone in concretizing the objectives of the SUMP for Trabzon and guiding its implementation. The good practices observed in the visited cities provided valuable examples in promoting public transport, supporting active mobility modes, and reducing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the connections established with public institutions and local authorities contributed to strengthening knowledge-sharing and cooperation networks.