September 25, 2025

Urban access: smart and inclusive cities through data and AI

How can we ensure cities like Amsterdam remain accessible, livable, and fair — for everyone? That’s the core challenge driving urban access, a four-year research initiative with €3.8 million in funding from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) leads the project in collaboration with a broad network of research institutions, cities, and public partners.

Urban accessibility is about more than ramps and elevators. Imagine a visually impaired traveler struggling to find public transport information, or a student who can’t access an elevator due to bikes blocking the entrance. URBAN ACCESS explores how technological innovation — including smart sensors, algorithms, and AI — can help cities become more responsive to the diverse needs of their citizens.

Strong consortium of partners

In addition to the University of Amsterdam, the following academic and applied research institutions are core knowledge partners in URBAN ACCESS:

-Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)
-Radboud University Nijmegen (RU)
-KiM – Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis
-TNO – Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research
-Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA)

Five Dutch cities, including Amsterdam and Rotterdam, are also participating in the project through pilot programs.

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