At the end of October, the OPTI-UP partnership gathered in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, for the project’s 3rd Technical and Steering Committee Meeting. Hosted by the Czech partners, the two-day event was filled with constructive discussions, updates, and collaboration among project partners.
Day 1 focused on progress and planning. Partners discussed the implementation and monitoring of current activites, providing updates on pilot actions and outlining next steps for the upcoming project period. The meeting also covered planning of upcoming activities in upcoming period, related to solution creation, dissemination, and replication.
Partners also presented the Comprehensive Strategy for Optimisation of Public Transport Networks and Local Plans for each pilot area, highlighting how these tools will guide future improvements. The day concluded with the Steering Committee session, where members reviewed and approved the project’s technical, financial, and communication progress for the previous period.
Day 2 took the group to Český Krumlov, one of the project’s pilot cities, for a site visit focused on local public transport. The delegation was welcomed by Mayor Alexandr Nogrády and Head of Public Transport, Mr. Jan Sládek, who presented the city’s public transport system and current challenges. Partners also learned more about the completed pilot action, which introduced electric minibuses connecting residential areas with the city center and regional transport links — improving accessibility, air quality, and inclusivity for seniors and people with reduced mobility.
The visit concluded with a guided bus tour, offering participants a real-world perspective on the city’s transport network and the impact of OPTI-UP activities.
A special thank you goes to VŠTE and JAIP for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality throughout the event.
