Societal aspects of transport are becoming increasingly central to European transport policy, reflecting the need for future mobility systems that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to citizens’ needs. This report assesses European Research and Innovation (R&I) projects addressing transport societal dimensions, primarily based on the Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). The report reviews 146 EU funded projects carried out between 2015 and 2025, covering seven societal themes: transport poverty, acceptance of transport technologies, jobs and skills, health, safety, travel experience, and human–machine interaction, representing a total EU contribution of 443.7 million EUR. The analysis highlights growing attention to equity, inclusion, and user centred mobility. Key findings point to the need for gender inclusive planning, accessible digital services, improved air quality monitoring, adaptive safety frameworks, and continuous skills development frameworks for the transport workforce. Research on automation and emerging technologies further underscores the importance of human centred design, trust, and transparent human–machine interaction.

GROSSO Monica;  RATAJ Michal;  LODI Chiara;  ZAWIESKA Jakub;  STEPNIAK Marcin;  CHEIMARIOTIS Ilias;  MAROTTA Alessandro;  PIAZZA Francesca; 

2026-05-07

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC144605

978-92-68-35339-4 (online),    978-92-68-35340-0 (print),   

1831-9424 (online),    1018-5593 (print),   

EUR 40601,    EUR 40601 (print),    OP KJ-01-25-683-EN-N (online),    OP KJ-01-25-683-EN-C (print),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144605,   

10.2760/4658038 (online),    10.2760/0465265 (print),