Reducing Carbon Emissions in the Municipality of Alexandria through Intelligent and Sustainable urban Mobility Infrastructure

Abstract

The paper presents the integrated smart-mobility project implemented by the Municipality of Alexandria under the South-Muntenia Regional Programme 2021–2027, aimed at reducing carbon emissions through the development of intelligent and sustainable urban mobility infrastructure. The research addresses the increasing need for medium-sized cities to adapt to European climate-neutrality objectives by integrating ecological transport systems, digital traffic management technologies and resilient urban infrastructure into local development strategies. The study builds on recent approaches regarding smart-city governance, sustainable urban mobility planning and intelligent transport systems, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in improving urban resilience, public-service efficiency and environmental sustainability. The paper uses a case-study approach based on the implementation of a complex urban mobility investment project financed through European funds, combining infrastructural interventions with intelligent urban-management systems. The project includes approximately 14.6 km of bicycle lanes, a public bike-sharing system with 300 bicycles and 22 automated stations, modernization of 32 public transport stations, implementation of an intelligent traffic-management and video-surveillance system using 96 cameras and 15 prioritized signalized intersections, construction of a modern bus depot, a Park&Ride facility with 200 parking spaces and modernization of pedestrian infrastructure. The results highlight the contribution of integrated mobility solutions and real-time urban monitoring technologies to reducing traffic congestion, improving mobility flows, increasing public-transport accessibility and supporting data-driven administrative decision-making processes. The study also underlines the challenges related to interoperability between intelligent systems, institutional coordination and the integration of local urban policies into broader European sustainability objectives. The paper contributes to the current academic and professional debate on sustainable urban development by presenting a practical model for implementing smart and low-carbon mobility infrastructure in medium-sized municipalities, demonstrating the role of digital urban technologies in supporting resilient and environmentally responsible cities.