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