Until now, many initiatives to develop high speed railway services for freight have failed, but freight transport using high speed trains appears not to be a fairy tale. This study has found a market potential which is acknowledged by enthusiastic potential partners, and will lead to operational activities by railway authorities in the Netherlands and Germany, and airport authorities who consider the Dutch local initiative of strategic importance. The authors describe how they analysed its potential in market terms, and its outcomes. A description is given of the method developed to assess the chances of the technical concepts regarding consignment units and compositions of trains. In addition, it is described how freight transports can be combined with passenger transport. The authors tackle the problem of the terminal locations with regard to market conditions and the development of a passenger high speed rail network between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne and Frankfurt. An alternative structure of high speed freight network is discussed. Finally, a plan of action is presented to be taken by parties concerned and the authorities. (A)
Samenvatting