Evaluation of the potential environmental impact reduction from passenger travel through adapted policy measures and the use of integrated sustainable Multi-modal transport modes

Supporting Multi-modal transport is a major part of the European Commission's White Paper. It contributes to the objective of shifting the balance between transportation modes. The aim of the Commission's policy on Multi-modal transport is to support the efficient « door-to-door » travel, using two or more modes of transport, in an integrated transport chain. Each mode of transport has its own advantages e.g. potential capacity, high levels of safety, flexibility, low energy consumption, low environmental impact, etc. Multi-modal transport allows each mode to play its role in building transport chains which are overall most efficient, cost effective and sustainable.

The overall objective of this research project is to obtain insight into the activity and related travel behavior of individuals in a multi-modal transportation context. One objective is to analyse the energy and environmental impact of Multi-modal passenger traffic and compare the impact on the environment of the different transportation modes on a well-to-wheel basis. A Multi-modal Ecoscore methodology was defined which allows comparing some modal choices for similar routes.