Munich tests dynamic curbside management under MetaCCAZE project

As European cities strive to make urban mobility cleaner, smarter and more efficient, the EU-funded MetaCCAZE project is testing new ways to use public space. One promising approach is Dynamic Curbside Management (DCM), which allows curb areas to be adapted in real time to accommodate different transport needs.

A key application of DCM is supporting Mobility-on-Demand (MOD) services such as taxis, ride-hailing and future autonomous transit vehicles. These vehicles often require short-term access for passenger pick-up and drop-off. Without designated space, they risk double-parking and disrupting traffic. Well-managed DCM areas could reduce these issues, but because MOD operations rely on efficiency, even small delays can affect service quality and profitability.

A recent study in Munich examined the impact of pick-up and drop-off times on MOD services. It analysed how average stop duration, variability and unpredictability affect capacity, punctuality and fleet operations. The findings showed: 

• Longer stops reduce the number of passenger requests a fleet can serve.
• High variability in stop duration increases the likelihood of delays.
• Using data-driven models or historical data to predict stop durations can improve scheduling and service reliability.

These findings suggest that carefully planned DCM zones, which minimise stop duration and reduce variability, could improve the efficiency and dependability of MOD systems. 

This research is part of the EU-funded MetaCCAZE project, monitoring and evaluating in several pilot cities, including Munich’s Living Lab. The Living Lab is testing innovations such as dynamic curbside management, multimodal logistics hubs and small connected vehicles to create cleaner, more efficient urban mobility. Munich is demonstrating how flexible infrastructure and data-driven planning can reduce congestion and emissions, supporting the transition to sustainable urban mobility.

Author: Carla Giaume

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.