Busy trains, full of passengers, are a common sight at rush hour – but what about the rest of the day? According to the data, the average occupancy in the Netherlands across an entire day is only 30%. Leaving 70% of the available transport capacity unused.
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and ProRail asked TU Delft, TNO and Haskoning to investigate the feasibility of combining the transport of passengers and goods in passenger trains to make use of this spare capacity.
Haskoning compiled the integrated report – bringing input from our Rail & Mobility Hubs and Sustainable Mobility teams, alongside the logistics know-how of Districon.
The feasibility study set out to explore the idea of taking goods on passenger trains and the possible uses that could be explored in a pilot. For example, deliveries to train station shops, or even shops in city centres in the future.
As inner cities are increasingly designated as zero-emission zones, this multimodal concept would meet the conditions of zero-emission transport – while also removing trucks and vans from inner cities, increasing safety and creating more space.
The idea examined in our feasibility study is described in the “Mobility Concept TurboPlan 2030” and can be seen as a hybrid concept.
In concrete terms, this involves combining passenger and freight transport in one train with the flexible use of so-called cargo pods yet to be developed – creating a new transport aid, to be used in combination with both road and rail infrastructure.
In the first phase, a start can be made with compact rolling containers, which can be transported in existing passenger trains with minor adjustments. The aim of our research was to identify barriers, opportunities, requirements and conditions.
The practical expertise of Haskoning and scientific knowledge from TU Delft came into direct contact with each other during the project. This has created more knowledge and insight, which has benefited the exploration. This leaves you wanting more.
Contact our rail & mobility experts