Intermodal transport, the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit using or several modes of transport without handling the goods themselves, is a step towards sustainable mobility. The use of standardised loading units enables integrated transport chains and may limit road transport. The anticipated advantages: less emissions and congestion and better road safety. Hence intermodal transport policy is a part of integral transport policy in the Netherlands and Belgium. In order to achieve the shift from lorry to train and/or barge various policy instruments can be used. A comparison of intermodal transport policy in the Netherlands and Belgium shows a striking resemblance: the focus is on realising a terminal network by providing financial aid and, to a lesser extent, additional instruments. Currently, the Netherlands is fully covered by inland terminals. Albeit developments in the Netherlands are more advanced, Belgium is showing a similar evolution. However, realising output of the policy is one thing, achieving the targets of integral transport policy another. Evaluation of intermodal policy indicates that traditional intermodal transport policy is an expensive way to obtain sustainable mobility. (Author/publisher)
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