Taking into account the transport models (at regional, national and European levels) that have already been developed and used by private / public authorities for their planning, the areas of R&I, which needs to be addressed to tackle the above-mentioned expected outcomes are:
- Mapping the EU Rail Freight Service offering in EU with available nodes and routes ( Rail freight commercial directory ) and develop the IT framework for publication of a web-based map (freely accessible) with possible static updates;
- Desk research on the supply chain flows identifying target segments. Definition of KPIs (from both a CO2 and business perspective) to be used for identifying freight flows – to be inserted in the web-mapping – that are best positioned for the use of rail services;
- Analysis of the effects of long-term transport contracts on the flexibility of the transport system and conditions needed to allow a short-term shift of freight flows of single loads from one mode to another, taking into account framework contracts but also utilisation guarantees for specific services;
- Recommendation for harmonised general terms and conditions for the stakeholders to implement, including an analysis of the main constraints and the potential need adaptation of rules and legislation;
- Analysis on upcoming digital and technical innovations that would facilitate the use of rail services.
Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (involving as needed the supply chain starting with the customers, the logistic sector, the rail freight industry, relevant combined transport / inland waterways operators, terminal operators and research institutions) and consider opportunities brought by the integration of rail technological innovation in the supply chain.
