GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

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.