Open Access Conference Proceedings

Intermodality in freight transport is one of the key axes identified by the European Commissions. However, implementing the principles that intermodality requires is associated with a number of challenges and various barriers that effectively inhibit its development. The key priorities in the development of intermodality is to meet the needs of broadly understood clients while taking care of the aspects of sustainable development. Railway transport as a branch of transport that generates significantly lower external costs than road transport fits into these priorities. However, the pace and direction of development of railway transport as part of the intermodal transport chain depends on a number of factors. Among them are general factors - relating to the entire transport system and industry - that is, strictly connected with railway transport. Hence the purpose of the article is to identify and evaluate the factors determining the development of railway freight transport in the context of its participation in the intermodal chain. A preliminary group of factors has been distinguished on the basis of literature research. In the next stage, the identified factors were subjected to group expert assessment. These studies allowed the identification of key determinants included in the areas of: economic, political and legal, technological, social and environmental.

Keywords: Intermodal transport, intermodality priorities, development determinants, railway transport

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