Impacts of Improving Interconnectivity between Local and Long-Distance Transport Networks in Europe

The role of the Trans-European network as an integrated international system is compromised due to poor interconnectivity. Improved interconnections can result in more competitive multi-modal alternatives to uni-modal road transportation and contribute to CO2 emissions reduction. However, the fact is that nowadays 73% of all kilometres completed through long-distance trips in Europe are made by road. One of INTERCONNECT goals was to investigate to what extent reducing interconnectivity costs (between different modes and between local and long-distance networks) may result in an optimised transport system, induce modal shifts towards rail and contribute to decrease CO2 emissions. Conclusions indicate that although these impacts are likely to happen, depending on which specific strategies are adopted to reduce interconnectivity costs, rebound effects may also appear, thereby compromising any potential benefits.