On 23 April 2025, officials from the City of Graz presented the final version of the “Mobility Plan 2040”, a strategy to shape the future of urban mobility in Graz. The comprehensive plan draws on over 700 district-level mobility applications submitted between 2017 and 2023, with residents in particular calling for safer roads and calmer traffic around schools. These concerns played a key role in shaping the plan’s focus areas.
The Mobility Plan 2040 is based on the European standard for sustainable urban mobility, a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which ensures transport policies are integrated with broader urban development goals. According to Austria’s Climate Protection Ministry, Graz currently ranks second among Austria’s state capitals in SUMP readiness, underlining the strategic quality of the plan.
With the city having grown by some 70,000 residents over the past decade, and with limited space available, the plan aims to ensure mobility is accessible, safe and sustainable for all – whether on foot, by bike, on public transport or by car. By 2040, the city aims for 80% of all journeys to be made using environmentally friendly modes, and 45% of cross-border trips to follow suit.
The plan features city-wide strategies, 29 focus areas for traffic calming, and key projects in all 17 districts. The centre piece of the mobility plan are the actions and measures, which were developed through a broad-based participation process:
- Workshops with civil society, interest groups (e.g. Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Labour, associations and clubs, universities), district representatives, and municipal administration
- District dialogues with all boroughs
- A large public event with over 300 participants
- An online survey with nearly 3,000 responses
- Close involvement of the Climate Council and the Citizens’ Advisory Board
Elke Kahr, Mayor of Graz, stated:
“The Mobility Plan 2040 sets a clear, updated framework: safer roads, stronger public transport, and more walking and cycling in better-designed streets. We aim for calmer neighbourhoods without banning cars, fair parking management, and smarter commuter links. All projects will involve citizen participation and district cooperation.” (Translated)
The Mobility Plan 2040 will be reviewed in a special session of the transport committee, with a final vote by the City Council expected in later in May.
Author: Claus Köllinger
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
