Can any possible combination of modes improve intermodal attractiveness

With the opening of borders and the always greater decentralization of production, the transportation of goods increased a lot in the last decades. The transportation by road remains the most used mode in Europe (Eurostat, 2016). Even if it is appreciated for its responsiveness, flexibility, and quickness, road transport is however responsible for negative impacts on its environment like air pollution, climate change or congestion. In order to reduce these damages of road transport, more and more effort is done by public authorities to sustain alternative transport. Among these solutions, a combination of road with another less harmful mode, like rail or IWW is currently a solution that is evaluated and promoted.