Combined passenger and goods rail transport can help utilise transport capacity more efficiently. A joint report published recently states that such services could be introduced in the Netherlands starting in 2030.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV conducted the study on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
The study focused on researching the use of multifunctional trains, a mobility concept called TurboPlan 2030. In 2020, the Dutch House of Representatives requested the study “following the observation that trains are understaffed during various off-peak hours.”
The report’s authors point out that public transport is supply-driven. The existing passenger trains have a fixed transport function and capacity, used to maximum effect during peak hours. Structurally and measured over the entire day, however, there is an average occupancy of only 30 per cent. Turboplan transport enables “more efficient use of space and energy,” the researchers say.
Cargo pods
The authors envision a future in which freight from different shippers is combined on the same train via so-called “cargo pods”. “Combined with the existing extensive coverage of stations in the Netherlands and subsequent pre-and/or post-transport, this can offer new opportunities for shippers and transporters.”
According to the researchers, in such a scheme, mixed trains will run both during and off-peak hours. During peak traffic hours, however, the mixed trains will run in the opposite direction from the one concentrating the bulk of traffic. Train services where there is very low occupancy on part of the route are also eligible for TurboPlan transport.
The researchers say different train types are suitable for a freight transport test. “As long as the equipment has a level entry, loading and unloading of roll containers or other mobile goods is easy to fit in,” they explain.
Twenty rolling containers
Figures from TU Delft, TNO and Royal HaskoningDHV show that an ICNG train can transport an estimated twenty rolling containers. Trains from Arriva and QBuzz would have a transport capacity of eighteen rolling containers.
A critical pain point in the plan is the time needed to load and unload goods. Passenger trains only stop at stations for 30 seconds to about 3 minutes. This is an issue that “must be taken into account,” according to the study’s authors.
This article was originally published in our sister publication SpoorPro.nl.