This paper presents a detailed examination of the possibilities for transport between East and West European countries in the future. The general geography of the area and existing transport axes are described. The situation in Western Europe is considered where inadequate infrastructure and increasing car ownership are causing congestion. Likely solutions for improving the situation are considered including the possibility of transferring either freight or passengers to rail and a more rational system of pricing for mobility. Conditions in Eastern Europe are then discussed. Conditions vary but all countries have assigned freight travel by rail a high priority. Trends being seen and modernisation that will be necessary to rail services in Eastern Europe are discussed. A number of less certain factors are identified for the whole area such as demographic changes, homeworking and increased leisure time. A number of conclusions are reached including that transport will be focused along major high-performance axes rather than networks, there will be a substantial growth in combined transport and that there should be dual lines, one for fast passenger traffic and the other for large scale freight.
Samenvatting