Overview
INTERCONNECT was concerned with the role of local and regional connections in the context of the growing importance of interregional passenger journeys in Europe. Poor interconnectivity among different transport networks and among different scales of modal networks might compromise the objectives of integration of the TEN-T network investments and policy measures.
The objective was to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact of passenger transport by judicious encouragement of integration, cooperation and, where appropriate, competition in the provision of local connections, paying attention to land, air and maritime modes.
The methodology that was employed in the project includes literature reviews, interviews with key stakeholders and detailed investigations of selected case studies.
Building on the attributes of a well-connected transport system identified in past research and policy documents, as well as on the review of available evidence on the extent and nature of problems affecting local connectivity for longer distance journeys, INTERCONNECT developed an analytical approach to provide effective recommendations to national and European policy makers.
The applicability of mechanisms for improving interconnectivity between the different network scales and between road, rail, maritime and air passenger modes of transport was explored through a combination of literature reviews, interviews with key stakeholders and (above all) detailed investigation of selected case studies.
The range and applicability of specified solutions that was tested in the project case studies, took into account legal and institutional issues and made use of policy measures like integrated pricing, and ticketing, improved links and interchanges, infrastructure pricing, strategic planning, information and marketing.
While promoting take-up of organisational, administrative and technical best practice and coordination among policy makers, INTERCONNECT also made a contribution to the wider use of analytical tools that are appropriate to this field at both European and local level.
The project focussed on:
- revealing the extent, impact and causes of poor interconnectivity;
- identifying existing good practice and potential solutions, analysing them using appropriate methods and establishing their likely contribution to the improvement of interconnectivity;
- disseminating the findings widely and promote take-up of best practice.
To achieve this, the following work was undertaken:
- literature surveys of current good and bad practices in interconnectivity and available policy documents;
- identification of potential solutions to good interconnectivity;
- analysis of these solutions in real situations in case studies and test beds;
- seeking feedback from stakeholders in identifying solutions;
- development of a matrix of solutions and their applicability;
- analysis of potential impacts of improved interconnectivity; and
- dissemination of project results, for example through the project website, leaflet and E-Co
Funding
Results
In order to address the potential for greater economic efficiency and reduced environmental impact, INTERCONNECT examined the function of transport interconnections where they form part of longer-distance and inter-regional passenger journeys in Europe.
Stakeholders provided feedback on the applicability and relevance of all solutions identified in INTERCONNECT at WCTR in July 2010. An on-line questionnaire conducted in November 2010 provided additional feedback. This work has led to the development of a matrix of solutions and their feasibility, applicability and potential impact on interconnectivity in long-distance passenger journeys. The analysis of potential solutions for improving interconnectivity of passenger networks has resulted in the INTERCONNECT 'toolkit'. A number of case studies of interconnectivity were analysed showing the real-world implementation of solutions identified and their effectiveness.
Strategy targets
An efficien and integrated mobility system: Service quality and reliability