Assessment of the Potential for Modal Shift on a European Scale: The SPIN Project

Until recently, generic policies of improving the competitive position of intermodal transport have not always been successful. A supply chain specific or an even individual custom-made approach is probably more effective in identifying and subsequently attracting transport from road operation to intermodal operation. The aim of this paper is the development of a methodology to assess the potential for a modal shift in favor of intermodal transport and as a follow-up step, the proposal for a policy action plan. Through this, it would be possible to gain an insight on the impact of a modal shift on supply chains and on the potential for the modal shift on the EU-level. This is developed within the SPIN Research Project of the European Commission. The methodology includes three main steps namely the development of a toolbox called the macro-scan, which will assess the potential for modal shift, a sensitivity analysis and a policy action plan. The proposed Action Plan will be useful to Policy Makers at European Union and national level as well to the private stakeholders.