Better connections for EU transport
Europe has long dreamed of having a seamless, interconnected transport system (intermodal transport), a vision currently hampered by the lack of studies and surveys on intermodality. The EU-funded project 'High efficient and reliable arrangements for crossmodal transport' (Hermes) investigated ways to improve the door-to-door travel experience by streamlining connections between short-haul and long-haul journeys. The project produced a handbook of recommendations for cross-modal transport arrangements, helping transport operators, terminal managers and public authorities develop innovative business models that support intermodality. In addition, Hermes worked on 11 case studies in 7 EU countries to analyse intermodal transfer points such as ports, rail stations and bus stations in order to map interconnectivity. Another important outcome has been the development of two intermodal transport business prototypes to overcome a specific set of barriers related to intermodal links and transfers. Hermes also developed a knowledge database regarding the barriers to passenger intermodality, accompanied by measures and solutions to overcome them. By identifying the barriers to flexible, seamless door-to-door quality transport, the project has laid the groundwork for realising the EU's vision, as outlined in the 2011 White Paper on transport. The project results have been distributed through several reports, conferences, seminars, workshops, posters and booklets as well as online, rendering the outcomes widely available to key players in the sector. At last, more intelligent and efficient transport for Europe is in sight.
