CATRIN will increase the probability that new progressive pricing principles can be implemented which facilitate a move towards sustainable transport. The project is intended to clarify the current position on allocation of infrastructure cost in all modes of transport. Pricing principles will be dealt with under the knowledge that they vary with the organisational structure of a sector. The project establishes the micro-aspects of cost recovery above marginal costs, including the results of application of a club approach and the implications of who bears the costs for cost recovery under alternative allocation rules, using game theoretic analytical tools.

CATRIN is both an intermodal and an interdisciplinary project. It tries to clarify the current position on the allocation of infrastructure costs in all modes of transport. CATRIN will blend the economic principles of pricing with engineering knowledge. Based on engineering studies, the possibility of defining more differentiated pricing rules for vehicle/locomotive categories will be analysed.

CATRIN will establish the micro-aspects of cost recovery above marginal costs, including the results of applying a club approach and the implication of who bears the costs for cost recovery under alternative allocation rules, using game theoretic analytical tools. In a modal focus, with real world cases, CATRIN will develop proxies to marginal costs and test some of the allocation approaches. The possibilities for a European road damage test will be outlined which should give new evidences on the fourth-power-rule. Furthermore, CATRIN will develop financing alternatives for icebreaking activities and will explore cost allocation issues in the aviation sector.