GIS-based location analyses for intermodal terminal landscape in Belgium

Korte inhoud:Providing various socio-economic benefits, transport also generates adverse effects and the growth in transport use is likely to make these impacts much more dense. Since the 80's, the road transport increased its market share, following technological and economic developments. Today, road transport is widely included in transport systems and constituting a more liberalized market, it is highly competitive with its flexibility. On the other hand, the problem of congestion in the road network decreases its reliability and increases the transportation costs. In this context, intermodal transport receives an important attention in line with the common transport policy of the European Union. Co-modality principle states the "use of different modes on their own and in combination" in the aim to obtain "an optimal and sustainable utilization of resources". From this point of view, integrated intermodal transport chain provide opportunities with its favourable environmental and economic characteristics. The European Commission encourages Member States to design policy measures that promote the growth of intermodal transport. Therefore various subsidy schemes are addressed to the intermodal transport sector. Although the subsidies provide significant results, some negative effects also rise. Furthermore intermodal terminal landscape in Europe is constantly evolving. This situation asks for a coordinated policy with a broader perspective. This paper describes a geographic information system-based location analysis model, developed to analyse the characteristics of the Belgian intermodal terminal landscape. Based on the transportation costs, the model compares intermodal transport with unimodal road transport. After visualising the current intermodal terminal landscape, the model handles various scenarios, such as the introduction of new terminals and the effect of subsidies. Highlighting the market areas of inland waterways and rail terminals, the model is used as a policy support tool to come to an integrated vision on the future development of intermodal transport in Belgium.

ISBN:978-90-5487-580-2

Jaar van publicatie:2009

Trefwoorden:intermodal policies, location analysis, GIS network