The Puglia Mobility Game (PMG) project has completed a pilot phase that involved citizens, public administrations, and researchers in designing new models of sustainable mobility for the Apulia region. Funded through a Cascade Call of RAISE Spoke 1, the initiative combined scientific research, technological innovation, and urban policy, creating a collaborative laboratory connecting universities and local communities.
The project, coordinated by the Laboratory of Applied Economics (LEA) at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” and led by Professor Angela Stefania Bergantino, engaged the municipalities of Monopoli, Fasano, and Polignano a Mare.
In these three cities – each with a strong tourist vocation and a combined population of over one hundred thousand residents – the activities enabled the testing of new forms of civic participation through gamification.
Developed in collaboration with Pin Bike, a company specializing in smart mobility services, the platform transformed everyday travel behaviors into valuable data for urban planning. Participants took part in a game organized in three modes – inclusive, competitive, and solidarity-based – which rewarded sustainable journeys made by bicycle or by public transport. The points collected translated into individual prizes or donations to non-profit organizations, promoting a mobility model that blends personal well-being, social impact, and environmental respect.
The experimentation phase produced significant results. The data collected described citizens’ mobility habits and provided local administrations with concrete insights to improve their Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. The experience demonstrated how personal motivation and a sense of community can foster more responsible travel choices and help reduce urban traffic pressure.
The project also involved ISFORT (Institute for Training and Research in Transport), which collaborated in drafting the Operational Guidelines intended for local authorities. By integrating PMG findings with national mobility data, ISFORT contributed to the development of Policy Guidelines designed to inform future territorial strategies. The joint work was shared across several public events, culminating in a final meeting in Bari, attended by institutional representatives, scholars, and sector stakeholders.
he Puglia Mobility Game confirmed the ability of research to generate practical tools for local communities. The University of Bari strengthened its dialogue with policymakers and the urban fabric, offering an example of how data and experimentation can lead to evidence-based public policies.
The participating municipalities expressed their intention to continue the activities that have started with the project and to apply PMG’s results to new sustainable mobility projects. The Guidelines developed will serve as a reference point for other administrations interested in replicating the experience, demonstrating that the collaboration between research, innovation, and civic engagement represents an effective path toward building more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable cities.
