Seamlessness in transport is the physical expression of one of the megatrends of the 21st century: complete connectivity. Seamlessness is about better connecting people and markets, but also about linking sectors, business cases and ideas. Not least, seamlessness is about the convergence of traditional transport infrastructure with the digital sphere, a process that is already changing the way we think about and use transport.Seamless transport is a powerful strategic vision for our future. Wherever people and goods move in highly connected ways, transport has proved a dynamic engine for growth and well-being. Seamless connections between cities and regions, notably through high-speed rail, have had huge impact on national and regional economies. Seamless access to transport improves citizens’ access to schools, universities, labour markets and leisure activities. Being able to move between geographic locations and transport modes with minimal impediments is a prime desire of all transport users. Yet the structure of our transport systems with modal transfers, different ownership, international border crossings and security threats makes overcoming the inherent friction in our transport system a permanent challenge. How can we improve seamlessness? To what extent is complete connectivity ultimately feasible? What approaches should be taken politically, institutionally, and technologically? These are the issues that transport leaders from government, public administration, business and academia explored at the International Transport Forum’s Annual Summit on 2-4 May 2012 in Leipzig, Germany. This publication condenses their main findings. (Author/publisher)
Abstract