Mind the Gap

The Mind the Gap (Strengthening institutional cooperation to bridge the mobility gap in the cross-border Alpe Adria area) project aims to improve sustainable cross-border mobility between Austrian Carinthia and the Slovenian regions of Gorenjska and Goriška.

Brief Project Summary

Mind the Gap addresses the poor cross-border connectivity of public transport, which manifests itself in a lack of routes, uncoordinated schedules, inconsistent ticket offerings, poor integration between trains and buses, and administrative barriers.

The main objective is to establish strategic cooperation between key institutions in both countries in the field of mobility and to develop sustainable and integrated public passenger transport solutions.

Main activities:

• Pilot cross-border bus route
• Organized short-distance transport services,
• Improved transport hubs and enhanced awareness of sustainable mobility
• Digital support for cross-border mobility and promotion

In the long term, the project will establish lasting institutional cooperation, enabling a more coordinated, efficient, and sustainable cross-border transport system.

Project partners:

• BSC, Poslovno podporni center, d.o.o., Kranj (vodilni partner)
• Turizem Bohinj
• Posoški razvojni center
• Amt der Kärntner Landesregierung
• Verkehrsverbund Kärnten GmbH
• Region Villach Tourismus GmbH

Project timeline: 1. 10. 2025 – 30. 9. 2028 (36 months)

Total partner budget: 1.214.328,00 EUR

EU co-financement ESRR:  971.462,40EUR

DS1: Effective management of cross-border public transport

Essence: establishing institutional cooperation and strategic foundations for sustainable cross-border mobility.

Key highlights:

• Establishment of a cross-border working group (institutions, ministries, transport operators) to coordinate mobility solutions,
• Preparation of a joint plan and recommendations for future cross-border mobility solutions (e.g., integrated tickets, digitalization, common fare systems),
• Organization of conferences and communication activities to raise awareness and engage the public,

long-term goal: a permanent cooperation framework for more coordinated and integrated public transport.

DS2: Green Mobility Solutions

Essence: Review of the status of cross-border connections and pilot implementation of specific cross-border mobility solutions.

Key highlights:

• analysis of existing connections, mobility hubs, and needs for improvements,
• testing of new cross-border public transport services (e.g., a new bus line connecting Gorenjska, Koroška, and Goriška),
• development of “first and last mile” solutions (local transport to stations, tourist attractions, etc.),
• upgrading infrastructure (stops, digital information, bicycle parking, e-bike charging stations),

Long term goal: to improve accessibility, user experience, and the sustainability of public transport.

DS3: Digital Support for Mobility and Promotion

Essence: development of digital tools and promotion of the use of sustainable transport, especially for tourists.

Key highlights:

• establishment of a joint online platform with information on cross-border mobility connections,
• development of a unified booking system for sustainable mobility services,
• preparation of a joint communication strategy and promotional campaigns,

Long term goal: to improve access to information, increase the use of sustainable transport, and support sustainable tourism.