This article presents an intelligent rail-road-hybrid transport system for the Rhine-Schelde Delta area (the area encompassed by Amsterdam to Antwerp and Rotterdam to the Ruhr area) as an alternative for, and complement to, the conventional rail and road transport system. This innovative transport system combines the advantage of low energy consumption of rail transport with the two-dimensional freedom of movement and the flexibility of road transport vehicles. This is being realised by the introduction of an advanced type of hybrid transport vehicle. The logistical innovation of the system is found in the open access of the system, which is envisaged by means of a dynamic booking process. The article shows how this innovative transport system could be implemented in the Rhine-Schelde Delta area to improve the quality of freight transport, and to reduce its negative environmental effects. In this context, the competitiveness and the exploitation possibilities of this new transport system are briefly explored. (A)
Abstract