One of the milestones for enhancing rail freight in Europe is digitalisation, which requires a step up in the ways data is gathered, processed and analysed. RailFreight.com had a chat with two experts in the field, M.Sc. Ing. Vivin Kumar Sudhakar from Studiengesellschaft für den Kombinierten Verkehr e.V. (SGKV) and Dr. Paul Hebes from Knowledge-based Planning (KBP) to have a clearer picture on the role of data and statistics in the combined transport sector.
Sudhakar pointed out that there already is data available, but one of the main issues remains stitching the data together to create an overview of combined transport statistics. The data comes from different modalities and different countries, which sometimes cannot be compared directly. “When we try to manipulate this data to make it compatible there is always the possibility of error. If we have a uniform legal framework at both European and national levels, we will be heading in the right direction”, he added.
It’s easier for rail than road
“For the rail freight sector, gathering and processing data might actually be easier, you can get a pretty solid outlook by investigating 25 or 30 companies, whereas for the road there are many more”, Sudhakar pointed out. One of the issues that persists in both sectors is that data from smaller entities is usually overlooked, either because it is harder to access or because it might be considered less relevant.
There are feasibility studies being carried out to explore the possibility of creating a statistical platform only for combined transport in Germany. “We are analysing both publicly available statistics and data from private operators to then gather them in one place for the benefit of the different actors”, Sudhakar said. Having such a database would help overcome the limitations of creating annual reports and all their gaps.
However, combining data from the different modalities, which is necessary for combined transport, is quite the hurdle. Other than differences found between different countries, data from the road and rail sectors are often recorded with different measurement units. “When we try to manipulate this data and make it compatible, there is always the possibility of errors. If we would have a uniformed legal framework, both at an EU and national levels, we would be heading in the right direction,” Sudhakar continued.
“There are also other smaller issues. For example, companies often delegate data-related statistical reporting tasks to statistical offices to interns or young professionals, who often are still in their training phases”, Hebes underlined. This further increases the possibility of human errors. “Until the whole process gets digitalised, we will never be fully sure that the data is correct.”
Public vs private data
“Both have to adhere to the regulations, thus no matter whether it is public or private they have to deliver the same data. The difference might be in the resources companies can rely on. State-owned entities can usually deploy more people and resources, while smaller private companies might find it more difficult”, Hebes underlined. Larger companies are also usually the ones pioneering these solutions, with smaller realities following suit.
“One possible solution would be the implementation of digital interfaces, so that smaller players can easily transmit data. There are a few small local initiatives, but on a large-scale it is still a few years away”, Sudhakar added. According to him, incentivising (not only financially) might also be a concrete solution. If the analysis of the data is beneficial to the parties submitting it, they might be more willing to do so.
‘Stats from eFTI will be ready in years’
Data from infrastructure managers is available. There was also an initiative from the European Commission to make it mandatory for terminals to publish data on a portal. “However, the availability of data and the maintenance of the platforms have always been a challenge”, Sudhakar stated. Expectations are high, for instance, for eFTI. Reaching the point where we can make statistics out of eFTI will take years and will not be an easy task, Hebes stressed.
When it comes to platform maintenance, another issue surfaces. Often, the introduction of new technologies is often followed by various updates and more upgraded versions. An example of this is ERTMS, but it is something that can be extended to other branches of the industry. A solution for this would be a ‘lock-on’ period where versions are somehow frozen for a period that would allow companies to get a return on their investments.
Moreover, the experts highlighted the role of neutral industry associations as being crucial for fostering collaboration and data transparency, when it comes to statistics in a sector with a diverse range of stakeholders.
In conclusion, while numerous initiatives are advancing across both national and European levels, the key to enhancing rail freight statistics in Europe lies in an integrated policy and industry approach.x This strategy should be bolstered by straightforward digital tools and appropriate incentives, which may include both financial and non-financial types. Ultimately, the goal is to promote sustainable intermodal freight transport, ensuring a more efficient and environmentally friendly freight transport sector.