Pan-European Rail Freight Transport; Evidence from a Pilot Demonstration Result

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to present the evaluation result of the RETRACK pilot rail freight service conducted on a pan-European corridor between Köln, Germany to Győr, Hungary. Qualitative research methods including desktop research, pilot data collection, and surveys were applied. The pilot service implemented a hub-and-spoke concept with single wagon loads. The evaluation found that the service is moving towards commercial direction. It is price competitive, reliable and attractive compared with the existing rail freight services. A new model of privately operated rail freight operations reflecting EU rail reform can compete for and retain cargo from road to rail on merit