Commuter/freight service route planning

Infrastructure needs to be adaptable to the multiple uses of transportation, for both passengers and freight. Key considerations include carbon impact, route optimization, interconnectivity (e.g., ERTMS), user experiences, and technology.

The choice between road and rail for freight transport depends on various factors including distance, cost, flexibility, environmental impact, and infrastructure requirements. Road transport is more flexible and cost-effective for short distances and last-mile delivery, while rail transport is more suitable for long distances and bulk shipments, offering lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher reliability. Strategic investments and regulatory support may be essential to enhance the competitiveness of rail transport.

Increasingly, railways are constructed to integrate conventional, high-speed, and freight services on the same network. The focus is on making existing infrastructure compatible with high-speed railways and freight, connecting large cities and economic centers. Investments are aimed at improving pre-existing routes rather than creating new high-speed lines, with the primary goal of linking industrial areas to ports and increasing overall network capacity. High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects in Europe involve a mix of new and existing infrastructure, with track unit costs typically higher due to the need for higher specification rail and foundations. There is potential to reduce these costs through joint construction with new viaducts or embankments and maximizing offline construction adjacent to live rail.

For commuter service, road transport offers greater flexibility with door-to-door service, making it suitable for a wider variety of travel needs. It is generally preferred for short distances or for non-urban localized travel. Despite Europe’s advanced rail network, road transport still dominates commuter travel in Europe. From an environmental perspective, road transport generates significantly more CO2 emissions compared to rail. Cars produce 166 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger kilometer, whereas rail produces only 14 grams. Passengers may also be swayed by convenience and timeliness, as road transport can be significantly affected by traffic congestion and weather conditions, impacting reliability and travel times.