ICLEI Europe’s Sustainable Mobility team has recently published a Mobility as a Right (MaaR) Conceptual Framework and Practical Guidelines. This article gives a brief overview of the key guiding principles, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. Following these 6 key steps can help embed MaaR principles into transport planning and governance, creating a framework for more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive mobility systems across Europe.

6 guiding principles

Adapt and localise the concept of MaaR for your city / region

MaaR positions mobility as a universal right -— essential for full economic, social and cultural participation. It goes beyond inclusiveness or addressing transport poverty by advocating for transport systems that ensure affordability, safety and quality for all. Cities are encouraged to localise this principle, involving communities to define and address mobility barriers. By embedding MaaR into policy and planning, local governments can create transport systems that promote equity, sustainability and social justice.

Embed and mainstream MaaR into transport policies and sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPS)

To be truly effective, MaaR must be integrated into all levels of governance and transport planning - especially Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). It should be treated as a universal principle, not a niche concern. Embedding MaaR helps cities design systems that are inclusive by default, not by exception. From tailored journey planning to safe, accessible public spaces, MaaR supports equitable, climate-friendly mobility. Pilots and local innovation are key to adapting MaaR across diverse settings and user needs, ensuring mobility systems work for everyone, at all times.

Increase multimodal collaboration in MaaR

MaaR requires a systems perspective where all transport modes and sectors work together seamlessly. This includes integrating transport with public services like healthcare, which supports both access and public health through active mobility. Intersectionality matters - recognising that people face overlapping challenges shaped by age, gender, disability, and more. Effective MaaR means coordinating operators, providing integrated ticketing and info systems, ensuring easy transfers and making digital services accessible to everyone. Ongoing monitoring must assess how well multimodal journeys serve diverse user needs.

Prioritise sustainable aspects of MaaR first and foremost (SMaaR)

MaaR integrates sustainability and affordability, promoting clean, efficient transport modes like active mobility, public, as well as shared transport. SMaaR redefines mobility planning by prioritising accessible, green travel options for all - especially those with additional needs - ensuring no one is left with only polluting alternatives. This approach supports the EU’s sustainable mobility goals and a just transition, making sure environmental benefits are fairly shared while respecting individual needs and rights.

Encourage a participatory approach to transport and spatial planning

Effective MaaR requires inclusive, participatory transport planning at all levels, ensuring diverse needs - especially of vulnerable groups - are heard and addressed. This aligns with the EU’s partnership principle, fostering shared governance for a carbon-neutral transition. Local and regional governments should lead by organising dialogues, workshops and pilot projects to co-create community-driven solutions. Establishing peer-learning networks can help cities share best practices, overcome challenges and scale successful MaaR strategies for more equitable mobility systems.

Measure the impact

Evaluating MaaR initiatives is crucial to ensure equitable, sustainable mobility goals are met. Key indicators include accessibility to essential services, affordability relative to income, equity in service distribution, user satisfaction across diverse groups and shifts toward sustainable transport modes. Regular monitoring helps identify gaps and guide improvements. Aligning with EU Urban Mobility and Smart Mobility frameworks, cities should set baselines, targets, and report progress through their Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. Tools like the European Commission’s Urban Mobility Observatory support benchmarking and sharing best practices.

To advance the EU’s sustainability and just transition goals, cities must embed MaaR into transport policies, creating systems that are both green and equitable. By integrating MaaR, local and regional authorities can develop inclusive networks aligned with the Social Climate Fund and EU energy laws. Effective implementation relies on participatory processes that engage citizens - especially vulnerable groups - to co-create tailored, people-centered solutions. Strong political will is essential to balance individual rights with collective sustainability goals, fostering a cohesive transition. Embracing innovative approaches and positive narratives will empower local governance to drive meaningful, lasting change in urban mobility.

This document draws from experience gained through working on the CIVITAS Initiative projects UPPER and REALLOCATE, which both lay a focus upon promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable urban mobility solutions.

To discover more about Mobility as a Right, the full newly published Conceptual Framework and Principles for Transport Practitioners is available here.