The integration of transport modes and improvement of services represent a complete approach for the supply of an efficient multi-modal transport that could meet mobility demands. Light and heavy rail transport providing connection to airports are the most efficient solutions financially speaking and from the point of view of an improved energy efficiency, limited emissions, traffic decongestion and last but not least, less time in traffic for passengers who choose this type of transport.
The increasing density of people in metropolitan areas, as well as the major events developed in these regions, demand transport connections, especially to airports, railway transport being the perfect solution for increasing the passenger flow capacity. Thus, successful heavy and light rail transport depend on “investments” in projects aimed at creating the best solutions between urban areas and airports, more precisely in the construction of a reliable infrastructure and in the promotion of this sustainable transport mode.
The countries that don’t have yet intermodal transport connections try to endorse funds to the implementation of projects developed with the purpose of easing traffic and providing efficient and eco-friendly transport services. For example, the inter-regional rail operator in North Caucasus invested USD 153 Million necessary to the construction of Sochi-Adler-Sochi Airport railway, a line to be put in service at the end of 2011.
Infrastructure development in the airports of Russian capital, Moscow, trigger the implementation of new transport services. “It is vital to carry on the development of an intermodal transport system and continue providing regular services connecting the city centre to airports. We have to carry on developing projects to create that interior rail ring”, declared Vladimir Yakunin, RZD President.
To attract passengers, the rail operator Aeroexpress has developed innovating ticketing projects, improved the services provided to customers and also plans to expand activity in the most important cities from Russia. It also plans to develop railway connections to the airports in Moscow, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo. But transport companies are not the only ones involved in these projects which will most certainly generate a financial and economic growth. In January 2011, the Russian VTB Bank announced its participation in the construction of a transport terminal in Moscow’s business centre to Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo airports. The project also includes the construction of an underground station. The project could be finalized in 2015 and, according to Vladimir Avdeyev, partner of the consultancy company Ricci / King Sturge, “the cost of the project is estimated at USD 91-114 Million, while project implementation could amount to USD 500 Million”, Avdeyev said. Croatia is also focusing on developing air-rail links. In January 2011, the Croatian Government announced 30 investment projects with a total cost of EUR 13.8 Million. The most important of all projects is the one referring to the construction of a passenger terminal in Pleso airport, project estimated at EUR 300 Million. This terminal would benefit from all types of transport running to the city centre of Zagreb. The construction of the terminal could take place in 2012 and finalize in 2014-2015. The new terminal could place Zagreb on the map of important points of accessing South-Eastern Europe.For Poland and Ukraine, the European Football Championship 2012 is a real challenge in terms of transport. Many football fans will choose air transport as travelling alternative and the two countries plan to upgrade airports and develop rail-linked terminals, underground and tram links, providing further connection to the city centres. The cities of Chorzów, Gdańsk, Krakow and Warsaw have initiated projects to connect airports to the city centre consisting in light rail lines.
Romania is also launching a project consisting in the development of an underground line to Henri Coandă International Airport, Line 6, put in service starting with 2018. “Considering the fact that Bucharest will have another airport in the south, the line will connect two airports to the main railway station. The estimated cost of the project is EUR 1 Billion. Currently, we are selecting the consultant”, declared for Railway Pro Constantin Ionescu, Infrastructure Manager at Metrorex.
by Pamela Luică
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