Interconnect, opening up the region to our neighbours, including those overseas
Pomerania has a special position on the map of Poland. It is one of the windows to the Baltic Sea. It is from this area that the residents and tourists go out into the world - if they choose the sea route. It is certain, however, that this corridor, which allows for water transport and thus for the initiation of cooperation between individual regions bordering the Baltic, is not yet being sufficiently exploited.
The location in the immediate vicinity of the Baltic Sea generates certain common conditions for the development of the regions. It is worth taking advantage of these. Historically, cooperation in this area was based primarily on trade links. Today, we look at this cooperation much more broadly. The potential of cooperation networks between the areas of knowledge-based services and research-based industry, the availability of business representatives investing in the promotion of clean and energy-efficient technologies and the untapped resources of higher education graduates are examples of common values within the regions, which can be better utilised.
However, the basis for the exchange of ideas and experiences is the creation of direct and convenient transport links.
Both Pomerania and its neighbours already have some experience in this field. Therefore, the Pomeranian Voivodeship, on behalf of which the InnoBalitca company acts, decided to join the Interconnect project within the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2014-2020 and to conclude a partnership agreement with the Blekinge region in Sweden (lead partner of the programme). The planned eligible cost of the task is PLN 6,675,284.
Accession to the Interconnect project aims to develop and implement a common public transport fare collection system and uniform passenger information for all transport operators and carriers. The system will be used for both intra-regional and international connections.
Together with foreign partners, solutions will be developed to enable passengers to make international journeys using regional, urban and passenger shipping on the basis of one integrated ticket.
One of the most important elements of this cooperation will be pilot connections on the route Pomorskie - Blekinge region in Sweden.
In activities related to the Interconnect project, InnoBaltica is supported by the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, which provided a grant of PLN 700,000 to cover part of its own contribution. This amount is to be used entirely for expenses directly related to the project and investment purchases.
The deadline for completing the project tasks and delivering the settlement form to WFOŚiGW was set for 30 June 2020.
