Strategies and Measures for a Sustainable Accessibility and Effective Transport Services in Inner and Marginal Areas: The Italian Experience

Abstract

Inner and marginal areas, territories usually identified in the context of rural and mountainous regions with low accessibility levels, are characterized by low population density and depopulation. The concept of “inner” or “marginal” areas embraces a set of different settlement conditions. Italy’s definition of Inner Areas focuses on rural areas characterized by the distance from the main service centres (education, health and mobility). It is clear that one of the key elements is accessibility, availability of adequate transport systems. The functional layout of the road network, heavily influenced by the orographic and geological characteristics of the territory, substantially affects the affordability and quality of the transport supply. To ensure quality of services in such areas, transport service supply has to be improved on the base of non-conventional, on demand and flexible mobility systems, to improve widespread accessibility and urban-rural connectivity. An experimental extensive plan of action interesting the inner areas of Italy is being implemented through the “National Strategy for Inner Areas”, where the accessibility plays an important role and in that sense the transport network is redesigned in an integrated way with the territorial development scenario and in the perspective to guarantee access to essential services.