Information exchange required for the wagonload concept

If the modal shift targets as set out in the European Commission’s white paper of Transport are to be achieved then the rail sector has to adapt and be seen to offer affordable and attractive services. It is common knowledge that the complexity of the European rail sector in addition to the high levels of competition seen on certain routes hamper the development of such services.

In order for decisions to be made as to the direction taken with new developments and investments, a full understanding needs to be obtained as to the currently available processes and technology in both the rail sector and in competing sectors. This includes information that is already available, who has access to this information and how can this be made accessible, meaningful, and understandable to clients and other stakeholders.

Examples of this data are such as what is provided by RailNetEurope through their Train Information System (TIS) and the UIC through their RailData product. There are also numerous products developed by private companies such as Logistic Service Providers and Railway Undertakings that can be taken into consideration. The example of CER’s Railway Integrated System (RIS) is described here.

If expansions to the service that is the focus of this CIT are to be realised, then appropriate advancements will be needed in terms of IT to account for a larger number of customers and stakeholders as well as a wider geographic region. This is being carried out in conjunction with WP5 however an overview of the relevant information is provided here.

For more information please read the report on ‘Information exchange required for the wagonload concept’