"Transport Intermodality" Task Force presents first progress report

The Commission''s research/industry Task Force on "Transport Intermodality", established in early 1995, has presented a first progress report on its work to date.

The report outlines the reasons for the Task Force''s creation and stresses the need for intermodal transport solutions to cope with the increased demand for transport. The current market share of intermodal transport services is very small and significant efforts, particularly in the field of research and technological development (RTD), will be required to realize the full potential of this sector.

The Task Force, which includes representatives from all Commission services involved with RTD in the transport sector, has consulted widely with industry, as well as with users and operators of intermodal transport services. Following these consultations, it has produced three separate reports:

- A diagnosis report examining the current situation of intermodal transport in Europe and highlighting problem areas;
- An inventory report detailing past and ongoing RTD activities in European intermodal transport;
- A priority report focusing on the RTD actions required for the balanced development of intermodal transport beyond the year 2000.

The following priority RTD actions are proposed:

- Intermodal freight terminal 2000+: Action aimed at developing cost-effective solutions for transfer points. It envisages transfer technologies which are adapted to the size of the cargoes handled and a strategy to provide real-time information for operators and users;

- Intermodal freight network 2000+: Action aimed at developing an intermodal transport system in the framework of logistics chains. It will enhance the ability to handle and integrate consignments of different size. In addition, it will look at the design and integration of networks;

- Transport town 2000+: Action focusing on urban mobility. It aims to provide a seamless intermodal transport system in which the use of private cars and freight haulage will be integrated with other forms of transport which are more environmentally friendly;

- Intermodal traveller 2000+: Action aimed at providing customers with reliable information and other value-added services for the use of urban and inter-urban transport systems;

- Passenger interchange 2000+: Action aimed at achieving appealing and passenger-friendly interchange facilities, including information and other services designed to reduce existing bottlenecks;

- Research studies and support activities: Research will be undertaken into the structure of the intermodal market, including access conditions to the market and the profession, and competition rules. Data on intermodal transport will be collected and analysed.

The projected Community funding to be allocated to the implementation of these actions, for which the estimated total cost is ECU 300 million, amounts to ECU 90 million. The development of human resources will be addressed as an integral element of all six action areas and specific training schemes will be promoted.