Presentation
See also the folder about the network
“The Economist” states in a positive article about
podcars/PRT (“Beyond the stagecoach”, march
2007): that ”hesitant local authorities are the only
significant obstacle”. That is the background to the
Swedish initiative KOMPASS (*short for Municipalities
attempting to go for podcars). A network has seen
formed by a rapidly growing number of municipalities in
Sweden. Interest is now seen from elsewhere and the
network expands globally.
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| Therese Rosén, the social democratic party in Botkyrka, and Hans Lindqvist, the center party in Värmdö, two of the representatives of KOMPASS. |
The network is independent of vendors and is also politically
independent. It consists of local politicians of all parties, from
the conservatives to the greens. “The KOMPASS network can
promote contacts and experiences and we want to build it
international,” says Therese Rosén, from the Social Democrats
of Botkyrka and member of the KOMPASS Board.
- We notice an increased interest for sustainable solutions
within all areas due to climate change and podcars is an
expression of this.
- Environmentally sound and sustainable transports like podcars
is a must, if we want to manage the climate problems. It is time
for a purchasing power vis à vis markets and authorities, says
Hans Lindqvist, Chairman from Värmdö of the Center Party,
one of the parties in the Borgouis Alliance.
- Pilots are necessary steps towards a breakthrough, and they
can be taken if some of the billions meant for infrastructure are
invested in podcars, he states.
A dialogue with the business community and vendors, with real
estate developers, authorities and politicians is on KOMPASS’s
agenda. It aims to work with traditional as well as new
communi-
cation methods, from newsletters and seminars to web and
simulations.
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| Magnus Hunhammar, chairman of IST |
IST (Institute for Sustainable Transportation) initiated KOMPASS
and organised the Podcar City event in Uppsala last autumn.
“At a new Podcar City conference in Ithaca, New York in September
this year, we hope to present the Network further,” says IST
CEO Magnus Hunhammar, who is also on the KOMPASS board.
Aims
The aims of the KOMPASS network are high.
The goal is to strenghten local inititiatives through:
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Promoting international co-operation between cities, local authorities
and transportation bodies.
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Creating fora for exchange of information and experiences.
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Spreading information about podcars to the public, to businesses,
real estate developers, politicians and civil servants at all levels.
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Promoting various solutions for financing.
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Communicating with vendors around common issues and planning
processes.
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Co-operating via common projects around the work for pilot tracks.
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Easing the realisation of podcars and pilot tracks plus the reduction
of costs and risks.
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