Integrated Passenger-Centric Planning of Multimodal Transport Networks

Project Information

MultiModX

Grant agreement ID: 101114815

DOI

10.3030/101114815

Project closed

EC signature date 2 June 2023

Start date 1 July 2023

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 1 305 830,00

EU contribution

€ 1 305 380,00

Coordinated by

BAUHAUS LUFTFAHRT EV
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - MultiModX (Integrated Passenger-Centric Planning of Multimodal Transport Networks)

Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

MultiModX addressed the fragmentation of Europe’s long-distance transport system by developing and validating integrated tools to support coordinated air–rail planning and operations. Aligned with EU strategies such as Flightpath 2050, Fly the Green Deal, and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the project contributed to the vision of seamless, sustainable, and resilient multimodal transport.

Building on previous SESAR research, MultiModX moved from conceptual analysis to operational application. It developed and validated three core solutions: a Multimodal Performance Assessment framework, a Schedule Design solution to optimise air–rail coordination, and a Disruption Management solution to enhance system resilience under operational stress.

Using defined passenger and regional archetypes and representative future scenarios, the project demonstrated how data-driven coordination between modes can improve connectivity, reduce delays, enhance passenger experience, and lower environmental impacts.

Overall, MultiModX provides tested analytical tools and evidence to support the transition towards an efficient, passenger-centric, and low-carbon European multimodal transport system.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The MultiModX project achieved substantial technical and scientific progress, successfully delivering all planned developments.

The Schedule Design Solution (SOL-2) was fully developed and implemented to optimise air–rail integration by reducing transfer waiting times and improving synchronisation between modes. Its architecture and operational framework were validated using real-world case studies and datasets, demonstrating measurable improvements in connectivity, transfer reliability, and overall network efficiency across demand scenarios.

The Disruption Management Solution (SOL-3) introduced validated real-time scheduling and reallocation algorithms to mitigate operational disruptions. These enabled dynamic capacity management and delay reduction across interconnected air–rail systems. Fully integrated into the MultiModX Performance Assessment Framework (SOL-1), the solution allowed quantitative evaluation of disruption scenarios and demonstrated enhanced resilience, faster recovery, and more efficient infrastructure use under stress conditions.

The project also defined and operationalised long-distance European multimodal scenarios through comprehensive data analysis. Passenger archetypes and regional typologies were developed, incorporating societal trends, policy developments, and emerging mobility concepts. Implemented within the modelling framework, these scenarios enabled comparative evaluation of future configurations under varying economic, technological, and regulatory conditions.

Overall, MultiModX delivered validated optimisation tools, disruption management algorithms, and scenario-based modelling capabilities, providing a robust analytical foundation for integrated air–rail network planning and performance assessment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The Schedule Design Solution (SOL400) optimised air–rail integration by reducing transfer waiting times and expanding multimodal travel options. Integrated into the MultiModX Performance Assessment Framework (SOL399), it enabled comprehensive evaluation of multimodal impacts across stakeholder groups.

Through detailed analysis of passenger behaviour and the development of passenger-centric KPIs within SOL399, the project improved understanding of modal choice and traveller decision-making. This evidence supports airport operators and infrastructure managers in aligning business models with rail integration strategies. By leveraging diverse big data sources, MultiModX enhanced the representation of multimodal trips in transport simulation models, enabling more accurate assessment of modal split, door-to-door travel times, capacity utilisation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These KPIs support both strategic and tactical optimisation of passenger flows and capacity allocation across multimodal networks.

Objective 2 delivered a robust multimodal performance framework forming the basis of an integrated transport network performance cockpit. This framework assesses key performance areas, including capacity, cost efficiency, safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability. By capturing cross-modal interactions, the cockpit enables informed decision-making for operators, infrastructure managers, and policymakers to optimise network performance and reduce operational costs.

The Disruption Management Solution (SOL401) developed an integrated crisis management approach to adjust schedules, reroute passengers, and manage resources across air and rail systems. The Functional Requirements Definition (FRD) and Operational Service and Environment Definition (OSED) established the foundation for coordinated disruption response. The validated approach enhanced network resilience while maintaining capacity and passenger experience during disruptions.

Environmentally, MultiModX contributed to reduced congestion, lower GHG emissions, and improved energy efficiency through optimised scheduling and disruption management. By minimising delays and idle time, the project demonstrated how coordinated multimodal operations can generate measurable environmental benefits while improving operational performance.