Launched in 2024, MetaCCAZE is a European project driving the transformation of urban transport across the continent. With a strong focus on user-centric, electric, automated, and connected mobility, the project connects innovative technology with real-world infrastructure to help European cities embrace sustainable transport solutions. MetaCCAZE supports EU policy goals, including the European Green Deal, the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, and the 2ZERO and CCAM partnerships.
Transport remains the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and consumes over 30% of the region’s total energy. In response, the EU is pursuing a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2050, deployment of at least 30 million zero-emission vehicles, and the creation of 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030. However, this transformation brings its own set of challenges, from inefficient EV charging networks to increased demand on power infrastructure.
MetaCCAZE is tackling these challenges by developing advanced technologies, including automated EV charging, AI-powered fleet planning, and low-emission traffic management systems. These will accelerate the transition to a smarter, cleaner, and more integrated mobility landscape.
Gozo, Malta Living Lab
As part of the MetaCCAZE project, Gozo, Malta is taking centre stage in testing and developing the future of public transport. Through the project the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, the University of Malta and Malta Public Transport will pilot an on-demand, automated electric bus in a real-world setting, with the goal of evaluating their potential for wider deployment across Europe.
Key priorities include assessing accessibility, cost-efficiency, and safety while ensuring that this innovative mode of transport is well implemented during the pilot. Specific routes in Malta and Gozo are being carefully selected to maximise the benefits of automation, with a strong focus on infrastructural needs and community impact.
Gozo’s Living Lab will also engage in a collaborative exchange of ideas and solutions with partner cities Limassol (Cyprus) and Tampere (Finland), which are similarly deploying autonomous mobility solutions. This cross-border support will play a crucial role in refining service design and enhancing operational success.
The insights gained from the pilot will provide insight for scaling automated e-bus services in Europe, offering factual guidance for future policy development and infrastructure investment. This project is a significant step toward a greener, smarter, and more inclusive transport system, bringing Malta closer to its vision of climate-neutral, connected cities.
For more information about the project visit the MetaCCAZE website.
