Madeira and the Azores are excluded from the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors, a reality that requires seeking specific mobility solutions for island territories. Carla Oliveira from the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) highlighted the increased difficulties regarding connectivity and multimodality.
The TEN-T aims to connect major European Union areas, but the insular nature raises questions about linking to these corridors and responsibility for creating interfaces between ports, airports, and land networks. Coordination among various government levels, municipalities, and operators is considered the biggest challenge.
Eight specific challenges for islands include limited connectivity, reliance on air and sea transport, difficulty ensuring multimodality, small critical mass for investments, exposure to climate change, increased energy costs, developing sustainable urban mobility plans, and strong seasonal tourism pressure.
Proposed solutions involve strengthening territorial continuity with smart sea and air corridors, redefining multimodality, specific models for small markets, and fares that facilitate combined transport use. Cable cars and the "15-minute city" concept are also considered, as are islands serving as "decarbonization laboratories."
