Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MultiModX (Integrated Passenger-Centric Planning of Multimodal Transport Networks)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-07-01 bis 2024-06-30
Europe’s long-term aviation research vision, outlined in the Flightpath 2050 and Fly the Green Deal documents, envisions air transport as part of a multimodal system where, by 2050, 90% of European travelers complete door-to-door journeys within 4 hours. The European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy also aims for zero-emission, resilient, and inclusive mobility with seamless multimodal connectivity, high-speed rail for short distances, and clean aviation for long-haul routes. Integrating airports as multimodal nodes within the air traffic management network will enhance journey reliability and network resilience. Coordinated planning and decision-making, based on shared information, are crucial to this vision. Research projects have shown that multimodal coordination can reduce travel times, improve capacity allocation, and increase network resilience, especially through schedule synchronization and dynamic rescheduling.
MultiModX aims to develop innovative multimodal solutions and decision-support tools for coordinated planning and management of transport networks. The project’s objectives include identifying future scenarios for multimodal transport in Europe, developing a multimodal performance framework with key performance indicators, creating a multimodal modeling and evaluation framework, optimizing schedule design for air and rail networks, and developing a disruption management solution. Additionally, MultiModX will engage stakeholders throughout the project to ensure the successful transfer of its solutions to the next stages of research and innovation.
MultiModX aims to develop innovative multimodal solutions and decision-support tools for coordinated planning and management of transport networks. The project’s objectives include identifying future scenarios for multimodal transport in Europe, developing a multimodal performance framework with key performance indicators, creating a multimodal modeling and evaluation framework, optimizing schedule design for air and rail networks, and developing a disruption management solution. Additionally, MultiModX will engage stakeholders throughout the project to ensure the successful transfer of its solutions to the next stages of research and innovation.
In the first year of the MultiModX project, significant technical and scientific advancements were made, propelling the project towards its goals. A major focus was the development of the Schedule Design Solution (SOL-2), aimed at optimizing air and rail network integration by minimizing waiting times at transfer points, thus improving multimodal transport options. The foundational architecture and operational environment were established, paving the way for seamless air-rail coordination, supported by ongoing validation through stakeholder engagement and real-world case studies. Progress was also made on the Disruption Management Solution (SOL-3), which enhances responses to network disruptions by developing real-time scheduling algorithms to reduce delays and maximize capacity efficiency. These algorithms were integrated into the MultiModX Performance Assessment Framework (SOL-1) for a thorough evaluation of disruption impacts. Additionally, the project advanced in defining scenarios for long-distance multimodal transport in Europe through data analysis, developing passenger and regional archetypes informed by societal trends, policies, and emerging multimodal concepts, laying a strong foundation for future scenario evaluations.
In the first year of the MultiModX project, the team achieved several significant technical and scientific advancements that contribute to research beyond the current state of the art. The development of the Schedule Design Solution (SOL-2) and Disruption Management Solution (SOL-3) has introduced innovative approaches to optimizing multimodal transport networks, particularly in the integration of air and rail systems. These advancements represent a major leap forward in addressing the complex challenges of coordinating multiple transport modes to reduce waiting times, enhance passenger experience, and improve network efficiency.
The foundational architecture and operational environment established for SOL-2 set new benchmarks for seamless air-rail coordination. By minimizing transfer times at key nodes, this solution not only improves multimodal transport options but also contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of long-distance travel in Europe. The continuous validation through stakeholder engagement and real-world case studies further ensures that the solution is robust and adaptable to various regional contexts.
The Disruption Management Solution (SOL-3) advances the field by incorporating real-time scheduling algorithms capable of dynamically adjusting to disruptions. This approach significantly enhances the resilience of transport networks, allowing for more efficient use of capacity and minimizing the impact of delays on passengers. The integration of these algorithms into the MultiModX Performance Assessment Framework (SOL-1) enables a comprehensive evaluation of how disruptions affect network performance, providing critical insights for further improvements.
Moreover, the project’s work in defining scenarios for long-distance multimodal transport through the development of passenger and regional archetypes goes beyond existing methodologies by incorporating a deep analysis of societal trends, policies, and emerging multimodal concepts. This comprehensive approach lays a strong foundation for future research and scenario evaluations, offering a more nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and behaviors across different European regions.
The foundational architecture and operational environment established for SOL-2 set new benchmarks for seamless air-rail coordination. By minimizing transfer times at key nodes, this solution not only improves multimodal transport options but also contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of long-distance travel in Europe. The continuous validation through stakeholder engagement and real-world case studies further ensures that the solution is robust and adaptable to various regional contexts.
The Disruption Management Solution (SOL-3) advances the field by incorporating real-time scheduling algorithms capable of dynamically adjusting to disruptions. This approach significantly enhances the resilience of transport networks, allowing for more efficient use of capacity and minimizing the impact of delays on passengers. The integration of these algorithms into the MultiModX Performance Assessment Framework (SOL-1) enables a comprehensive evaluation of how disruptions affect network performance, providing critical insights for further improvements.
Moreover, the project’s work in defining scenarios for long-distance multimodal transport through the development of passenger and regional archetypes goes beyond existing methodologies by incorporating a deep analysis of societal trends, policies, and emerging multimodal concepts. This comprehensive approach lays a strong foundation for future research and scenario evaluations, offering a more nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and behaviors across different European regions.