Bologna, Italy

Innovation focus and new services

Micro-hubs networks and light EDVs – PI last mile deliveries

Context and challenges

The City of Bologna, and its Metropolitan area, approved a SUMP and SULP (Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan). At the City level, urban logistics activities deal with distributive flows, parcels, and e-commerce. At a metropolitan level, they include industrial areas, logistics nodes, large and small agglomerations, and critical infrastructures. URBANE will support the SULP measures in regard to Nearby Delivery Areas (NDAs) and the use of intermodal (passenger) nodes reducing the impacts of freight deliveries. The goals include the reduction of CO2 emissions, logistics sprawl and congestion, and the optimisation and concentration of logistics areas.

Objectives and ambitions

  • Develop a new business model for the setup and operation of a sustainable micro-logistics hubs network (NDA as in the SULP), combined with innovative delivery methods (i.e., cargo-bike / light EDVs).
  • Introduction of Physical Internet models in urban freight deliveries.
  • Develop a Digital Twin of the micro-logistics hubs network, fed with real-time data, used for planning and implementing urban freight-related measures.

Innovations

3 microhubs:

  • Coverage of the LTZ & historical center
  • Unattended and automated management
  • Test new delivery modes
  • Open-multi-operator concept

Results and state of affairs

  • Creation of the first Nearby Deliveries Areas: through URBANE, the first 3 NDAs were created (SULP measure)
  • Significant CO2 savings: TYP saved about 3.298 CO2 Kgs a day (-52%) comparing their conventional door-to-door deliveries with Electric Delivery Vehicles Last Miler in the demo area
  • Increased quality of deliveries: most of the parcels were delivered on the first attempt and in a more secure way (less theft and fewer losses of the parcels)
  • Testing of Physical Internet Solutions (Blockchain, Digital Twin, and Impact Assessment Radar)

Partners involved

  • ITL – Fondazione Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica: lead LL activities and WP2 coordinator 
  • COBO – Comune of Bologna: technical, institutional and facilitator 
  • GEL – Gel Proximity  srl: ICT system provider and know-how on freight delivery optimization for the involved transport operators 
  • DTS – Due Torri spa: Transport operator 
  • TYP – TYP srl: Transport operator