Research Projects

The European Transport Policy (ETP) proposes the concept of co- modality as an essential instrument to achieve, at the same time, a high level of mobility and of environmental protection. But the existing transport system still remains far away from that concept. The interface between long and short- distance transport networks remains as the weak link in the transportation chain for both, passengers and freight. This situation favors the choice of uni- modal solutions, and jeopardizes the development of more competitive and sustainable transport chains. The improvement of long/ short distance interfaces is the key element to achieve the objectives of the ETP. Approaches to this issue have typically been developed at the project level, on a case- by – case basis.
At best, decision- makers benefit from experiences in other regions, but conflicts are rarely considered and solved in advanced, and they are rather addressed as they emerge, so that optimal solutions are rarely adopted. The purpose is to develop innovative tools for the analysis of interfaces, check these tools in a number of case studies, and make recommendations to stakeholders in order to get:

• A more systematic approach to the whole project cycle of interfaces.
• Concrete guidelines for decision makers in order to cope with the challenges of a particular project, and to get the most from the opportunities that each project offer.
• A friendlier regulatory environment; fostering cooperation and supporting better integrated interfaces. –Improved mechanisms for financing those concepts with a higher degree of integration (including EUs funding schemes).
• In- depth involvement of stakeholders, and particularly of transport operators. Research has focused thus far on quite specific aspects of the interface problem. This is one of the reasons why public agencies lack more standardized approaches to new projects, and fail in establishing effective cooperative frameworks.

For more information, please visit the project’s official website:

http://www.closer-project.eu/

Campaigns and awareness-raising strategies in traffic safety

The CAST Research Project belongs to the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Commission and aims at meeting Commission needs for enhancing traffic safety by means of effective road safety campaigns. The main aim of CAST is to produce a manual with clear guidelines for the design, implementation and evaluation of successful road safety campaigns. A Consortium of 19 European institutions from 15 different countries is involved in the CAST Project.

Development of small and medium-sized railway stations into multipurpose local service centers

The REVITA project aims at developing strategies for the conversion of railway stations into multipurpose local service centres. The economic role of railway stations should be strengthened and the use of sustainable modes of transport should be encouraged. The target groups of the project are the citizens and visitors of the five regions involved.

Efficient Integration of Cargo Transport Modes & Nodes in CADSES area

IMONODE aims at exploring alternative approaches in order to propose solutions regarding the use and accessibility of the Trans-European Axes V and X. Specifically, the project focuses on strengthening rail freight transport, which lag behind the road freight transport.