Intermodality and intermodal freight transport: implementation of the action programme

PURPOSE : to outline the progress of the implementation of the action programme of the communication on intermodal and intermodal freight transport in the European Union. CONTENT : this communication presents the progress that has been made so far with the implementation of the Action Programme of the Communication on "Intermodality and Intermodal Freight Transport in the European Union". It presents the results of different actions and initiatives that were undertaken by the European Commission and indicates future directions. Finally, it recommends that four new initiatives should be launched. These are: - the development of a more integrated ITS (Intelligent Transport System) applications for intermodal freight; - the creation of electronic commerce-applications for intermodal freight; - further work on Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Freight Intermodalism; - the demonstration of the potential of freight intermodalism for supply chains. In conclusion, progress has been made in implementing many of the identified actions of the Action Programme. However, progress in some other actions, such as the Intermodal Round Tables, requires increasing resources to be made available for this purpose and more pro-active involvement of national and local authorities.�