Intermodality, which describes both a policy objective and a quality of the transport system, has evolved into a major focus for the European and also national transport policies, especially within the last ten years. Whereas intermodality in freight transport is being promoted with a number of concrete initiatives on a European level (for example, Marco Polo programme, freight integrators), passenger intermodality has not yet received the same attention.
Passenger intermodality is a policy and planning principle that aims to provide a passenger using different modes of transport in a combined trip chain with a seamless journey. The current status of intermodal passenger transport shows that there is still a way to go in order to achieve these benefits, both politically and in what concerns transport operators.
With all efforts made until present, intermodal passenger transport still raises problems, as it often results in a loss of comfort and/or time or involves a higher cost, both for the operator and the passenger. High costs is also one of the features of individual car transport, but one of the reasons for an increasing market share of the private car across most of Europe is its ability to provide (nearly) door-to-door transport, despite the problems with congestion and parking in many urban regions. The effort to improve intermodality involves many issues. Planning and location of suitable infrastructure networks and their interconnection is only a first step. Interchanges must be developed for a smooth transfer of modes. A high quality of integrated services is needed to assist the traveller in his or her journey ranging from door-to-door information to integrated fares, ticketing and payment systems to baggage handling for the full trip chain.
Cities need intermodal hub planning
Experts believe it is necessary to give special emphasis to identifying practice that meets the major implementation gaps identified for services and infrastructure. Certain items are either almost without implementation across Europe or restricted to specific West European developed countries where intermodality is no longer a problem, but a plus in the public transport system as a whole.
Intermodal services demand the establishment of one-stop-shops information, book and pay for intermodal journeys of any kind at national level. Passengers need fully integrated international –national – local information systems. Also, national real-time public transport information systems and integrated walking and cycling information in information systems are also necessary. The authorities have to provide fully integrated road and rail transport information systems. Moreover, passengers need an intermodal baggage management and door-to-door baggage services in air/rail and urban transport. Rail industry companies believe smart card integrated ticketing systems at national and European levels are a must.
In what concerns networks and interchanges, it is necessary to adopt an intermodal management of disruptions and delays, high levels of personal security in and around interchanges. Unfortunately, most of the times, the operation of interchanges is poorly coordinated. In order to choose public transport and give up individual vehicles, especially on long-distances, passengers need a high quality of interchanges and facilities. Experts in the area add interchanges designed with short walking distance, secure cycling and motorbicycle parking, park and ride for long-distance travellers at urban interchanges. It is also necessary to develop accessible interfaces between rail and urban modes at interchanges, rail links to regional airports and an increased quality of rail infrastructure.
by Elena Ilie
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