examples of missing links in european trans border rail connections michal len 25/01/2012 brussels
TRANSCRIPT
Examples of Missing Links in European Trans Border Rail Connections
Michal Len25/01/2012
Brussels
Presentation structure
• Main aims of the project• Methodology• Quick guided tour of the
map• Next Steps
Motivation behind the project
“The EP asks the Commission to set out a selection of examples of regional trans-border rail connections, which have been dismantled
or abandoned, favouring especially those which could interconnect with TEN-T”
§ 40 in EP resolution P6_TA(2009)0258 of 22 April 2009 - TEN-T Green Paper
Project objectives
• To identify missing links in regional cross border rail connections outside of the TEN-T
• Focus primarily on EU-27 • Represent findings in the
form of a map
Method
• Used 2010 base map provided by Eurogeographics and a number of freely available online sources to identify and describe trans border rail connections– Sources included Buecker.net, EGTRE, EPF...– Idea not to reinvent wheel but add value to information
available• Out of 346 links identified, 126 were excluded from the
scope as they are part of TEN-T. Identification of TEN-T crossings in cooperation with DG Move
• Classification system devised to group remaining connections to identify missing links
Classification of missing linksClassification Number
Explanation
0 No reported issues at cross border connection
1 Line intact but out of order/closed
2 Line exists but PAX must change trains to cross the border
3 Line used to exist but physical infrastructure lifted
4 Cross border connection never existed but stations on either side of the border < 20 km of each other
5 Connection exists but local intermediate stations no longer served by train
6 Unknown Status
7 Speed restrictions exist on the line
8 Transhipment
9 Bogie Change
Description for map Classification number
Missing Links 1, 3, (4)
Problematic Links 2, 5, 7, 8, 9
No Issues Reported 0
Selection of information gathered for each crossingAssigned an ID number
Names of closest border stations either side of the border
Is the connection in TENT or not?
Missing Link Category
What is/was the purpose of the track i.e. PAX, freight, or both
Number of trains using crossing/day
Notes (i.e. From external verification, information sources etc)
Links to sources
Verification: Once criteria filled in to best of ability, data sent to external sources for verification. Verifiers included infrastructure managers, operators, research institutes etc. All notes/comments duly noted and sourced within main dataset. Not all links verified externally at the moment, however, links to sources of information can be used to triangulate data
Data for each connection
Dataset and Map Tour
• In total 83 Missing links identified (i.e. closed/abandoned/dismantled lines)
• 27 interesting examples of missing links chosen based on evidence of campaigns to reopen such connections
• Data mapped using GIS• Maps then transferred from GIS
into Google Earth• Now let’s take a look!
Next Steps...
• Short term: Available on Greens/EFA website in form of files which can be opened in Google Earth
• Long term: integrate Google Maps into Greens/EFA website for direct viewing
• Will make explicit that it is a work in progress and will be periodically updated
• Will complement ongoing initiatives and studies
Thank you
Website suggestions
• http://egtre.info/wiki/Main_Page• http://www.bueker.net/• http://www.epf.eu/en/reports/Journeys_without_borders.pdf