Design and implementation of methodologies for transport (CIVITAS SUCCESS) project(s) impact measurements CĂTĂLIN POPESCU * , AUGUSTIN MITU ** , DANIELA UTA ** * Management, Accounting and Finance Dpt., Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti, ** Economics, Marketing and Business Administration Dpt., Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti, 39 Bucureşti Bvd., Ploieşti, 100680, ROMANIA cpopescu@upg-ploiesti.ro, augustin@amit.ro, vds26@yahoo.com Abstract: In order to assess the impact a European project has at the European Community level, specific methodologies should be developed and implemented according to the specifics of the evaluated project. A framework for this methodology is available within the projects’ sector but every program and every project through its implementation team has to build its own instruments and adapt the European guidelines into a new methodology. In CIVITAS SUCCESS project, by definition, a transport and mobility project, a European organism (GUARD) was assigned to monitor the design, implementation and actual evaluation of the developed methodology. The evaluation and dissemination of the projects is based on how well the methodology is realized. In the case of CIVITAS SUCCESS project the methodological instruments used, led to results that changed the partners cities life. Key-words: methodological instruments, evaluation, transport and mobility project, transport indicators, city life, framework, impact, specific results 1 Introduction We called transport measure all innovations made concerning transport problems which improve urban mobility in terms of: introduction the hydride or electrical vehicles design and building of park and ride services or other new services, create the special areas with controlled access for pedestrians etc. Each measure is related with the potential impacts which could be associated with four main impact categories: economics, environment, societal and transport. In order to assess amplitudes for the impacts, we will use one index list and the help given by modelling, experimental assessment and some public investigations made by experts. SUCCESS (Smaller Urban Communities in Civitas for Environmentally Sustainable Solutions) was a 4-year project, within the CIVITAS II Program, with partners from La Rochelle, Preston and Ploiesti. As an integrated project, SUCCESS has been implemented thanks to an extensive investment in the participating cities, a large range of stakeholders and integrated packages of demonstration measures. The SUCCESS proposal was submitted by the "Urban Community" of La Rochelle (France) supported by Preston (UK) and Ploiesti (Romania) in response to the European Commission’s call for proposals for indirect RTD (Research and Technological Development Programme) actions under the specific program for research, technological development and demonstration: ‘Integrating and Strengthening the European Research Area’ and the thematic priority areas: ‘Sustainable Energy Systems’ and ‘Sustainable Surface Transport’. Specifically it responded to Section 6.1.3.1.3 of ‘Sustainable Energy Systems’: alternative motor fuels: Testing implementation and transition strategies for clean urban transport – CIVITAS II; and to Objective 1: new technologies and concepts for all surface transport modes (road, rail and waterborne) testing implementation and transition strategies for clean urban transport – CIVITAS II under ‘Sustainable Surface Transport’. The general objectives of SUCCESS were to: - Demonstrate that alternative fuels could be an efficient choice for urban transport matters; the target for all vehicle fleets was a decrease of 20% in the use of fossil fuels and a decrease of 10% in energy consumption, CO2 emissions, particulates, NOx and NO2 emissions; - Demonstrate that, with an ambitious package of mobility and traffic management measures, significant results can be provided regarding sustainable transport and energy policy; - Demonstrate that cities in candidate countries can avoid the mistakes made in Western Europe, and WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ENVIRONMENT and DEVELOPMENT Cătălin Popescu, Augustin Mitu, Daniela Uta E-ISSN: 2224-3496 1 Issue 1, Volume 8, January 2012