Guimarães

Urban logistics in Guimarães faces major challenges, particularly in short-distance distribution linked to the Municipal Market. Deliveries of fresh products are currently organised independently by each vendor or customer, typically using private cars or small vans that are not well suited for short urban trips. This results in a high number of small, uncoordinated journeys, contributing to congestion, noise, and emissions around the market area. Morning peak hours are especially problematic, as restaurant suppliers who need early deliveries coincide with routine commuting traffic. 

The Municipal Market, located in Bairro C, hosts around 180 small-scale farmers and traders and local restaurants rely heavily on daily fresh produce. However, the absence of a consolidated logistics system increases traffic pressure, reduces efficiency for traders, and undermines the city’s sustainability objectives.  

Decarbonising logistics linked to this market is essential to improve sustainability, strengthen local supply chains, and support restaurants in sourcing local products.  

The municipality already owns and operates one small electric utility vehicle  (Alkè UTV), but it is not yet used as part of a coordinated delivery service. The city aims to dedicate this e-vehicle as a shared logistics service, operated by a municipal driver, to consolidate and deliver goods from the market to local restaurants and residents, and is looking for a suitable solution to coordinate this service.  

This initiative complements the city’s broader commitments to circular economy, local food systems, and the creation of a climate-neutral Bairro C district. 

Area: Municipal Market, Bairro C and city centre 

DESIRED SITUATION

The ambition is to pilot a shared municipal micro-logistics service, operated with an existing municipal electric vehicle, to consolidate and deliver goods from the Municipal Market efficiently and sustainably. Vendors will be able to request delivery support through a digital platform, initially focused on restaurant clients but also open to residents. The pilot will demonstrate how a municipal logistics service can improve urban efficiency while supporting local commerce and reducing emissions. Guimarães is looking for a solution that will make this use case effective and replicable. 

 Success will be measured using the following indicators:  

1. Number and percentage of vendors and restaurants using the shared service (adoption rate).  
2. Volume or weight of goods transported through the e-vehicle (cargo moved).  
3. Average kilometres per kilogram transported, as a proxy for logistics efficiency.  
4. Reduction in parking demand and delivery-related traffic near the market during peak hours.