Throughout Europe, the challenge of providing an effective integrated public transport system is seen as an essential prerequisite to reducing pollution and congestion whilst encouraging sustainable economic growth especially in urban and metropolitan areas. What we often refer to as 'conventional public transport' (fixed time and route) is ideal for clustered traveldemand areas, but the changing life styles and attitudes to travel have created different mobility needs to which conventional transport has becomeneither suited nor cost-effective. Demand Responsive and Flexible Transport Services have proved to be an advantageous solution integrating and complementing the provision of conventional public transport services. This article discusses the introduction of Flexible Transport Services, in particular the Flexible Transport Services and ICT platform for Eco-Mobility inurban and rural European areas (FLIPPER).
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