The current status of intermodal passenger transport shows that there is still a long way to go, both politically and in what concerns transport operators. 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.
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 generated by congestion 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.
Several experts in the field believe that special attention should be given to identifying the method to overcome the gaps identified for services and infrastructure. Certain items are either almost without implementation across Europe or restricted to specific developed Western Europe countries where intermodality doesn’t raise too many problems anymore, but represents an advantage of the public transport system as a whole.
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 motorcycling 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 qua-lity of rail infrastructure.
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