The European Commission has taken several steps in recent years toward improved knowledge of the obstacles and promotion of solutions for increased use of intermodal freight and passenger transport. The general objective of the Commission's research and development effort in the field of intermodal transport is to support the development of a framework for an optimal integration of the different modes in the transport chain. A more efficient and cost-effective use of the transport system is enhanced through this integration, as door-to-door services are strengthened, as competition between transport operators (instead of competition between modes) increases and as technology advances. The Commissioners Kinnock, Bangemann and Cresson launched in 1995 the Task Force Transport Intermodality in response to the need to stimulate and improve the co-ordination of European research and to increase industry participation with the aim of bringing the gap between the scientific and the operational world. The purpose of this Activity Report is to summary the last three years of work related to the Task Force Transport Intermodality. The support received from all levels including the Council and the Parliament has been extremely valuable in the process which has led to the establishment of close co-operation activities with the transport industry and its users and with policy makers and researchers all over Europe. The clear results occurring from this common efforts is a future RTD Framework Programme taking into account the needs and the role of the transport users, operators, researchers and local authorities and at the same time the range of launched related activities promoting a more efficient, reliable and sustainable transport system integrating all modes of transport. (A)
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