published: 02-04-2021
Railways are essential for future proof and sustainable transport of passengers and freight. Panteia is deeply involved in the development of both. On Monday 29 March, the first report of the intergovernmental Platform for International Rail Passenger Transport, in which Panteia serves as process manager, was issued. And recently, recommendations from Panteia’s study Operational and economic impact of 740m long freight trains were used by the Dutch ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management for further developing the main rail freight corridors in the Netherlands.
Intergovernmental Platform for International Rail Passenger Transport
On Monday 29 March, the first report of the intergovernmental Platform for International Rail Passenger Transport was issued. 27 Member States participate in the platform. Dutch state secretary Van Veldhoven introduced the report during the kick-off event of the European Year of Rail, organized by the Portuguese EU presidency and the European Commission.
The European Year of Rail 2021 and the European Green Deal present the appropriate timing for in-depth consideration of the means for a broad revitalisation of the European rail passenger market. On request from the Dutch ministry, Panteia serves the intergovernmental platform as process manager, providing hands-on technical and institutional advice and ensuring the cohesiveness of the reporting.
Operational and economic impact of 740m long freight trains
Last year, assigned by the Dutch Topsector Logistiek, Panteia developed the report Operational and economic impact of 740m long freight trains. This was carried out in cooperation with HUPAC, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail. Conclusions pointed out the economic potential of 740m trains, as well as concrete infrastructure bottlenecks.
An important recommendation was that the introduction of longer trains between the port of Rotterdam and the German border may be done gradually, with 690m trains as an intermediate standard (up from the current maximum of 650m). According to the TEN-T Regulation, the Core Railway Network should be ready for 740m trains by 2030. By prioritizing specific investments for 740m trains, regular operations with 690m trains will become possible at an earlier stage. This approach has the advantage that investments which have to be done anyhow, become profitable short-term. The advice was adopted by the Dutch ministry, and translated into its request to ProRail to prioritize investments accordingly.
Our expertise
The further development and improvement of railway networks and connections depends on intricate cooperation between sector parties, infrastructure managers, governments and international organizations. Panteia provides consultancy and research services to institutions and authorities, helping our clients with reliable and [INVALID]ive analyses of the economic, legal, organizational, and institutional aspects of traffic, transport, infrastructure and logistics. Our services are [INVALID]d on unique experience, networks and detailed knowledge and data relating to various markets.