An Investigation Into the Benefits and Constraints of Shifting Freight Traffic From Roads Onto High-Speed Railways

Abstract

The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the continuing increase in the global freight transport has necessitated more than ever the need for a more effective and sustainable freight transport system. High Speed Railways (HSR) may provide the solution as they have the ability to move goods quickly, safely and economically which can sufficiently improve the trade links within vast regions such as the European Union and extend that to Asian countries. The major issues concerning freight transport are greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel which mean that railway freight transport particularly HSR freight would be the most competitive mode. Many countries have invested in developing HSR but at present, HSR is more regularly used for passengers than for freight although there are an increasing number of countries who operate HSR freight services. Some HSR systems are not profitable as the demand for travel is not sufficient and there is a significant larger haulage capacity available, and thus they need additional funding from governments. Shifting freight from roads onto railways will improve the economic performance of HSR, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emission. This research considers the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and analyses the operational and technological constrains concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Most of the data and information used in the research are gathered from relevant online sources including in depth research of the HSR in selected countries, available railway statistics and European and Institutional publications. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to developing more suitable means to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of HSR particularly for freight transport.

Evaluation of the Possible Use of the Ankara-Sivas High-Speed Railway Line for Freight Transport

“…In Germany and France, the freight trains on HSR operate during the night with a fixed schedule. Currently, approximately 5% of express cargo is transported by HSR in China (Watson et al, 2018). China started developing freight HSR, which will deliver high-value freight, such as e-commerce parcels.…”

“…In Europe, with the Euro-Carex project, major European freight airports (Liège, Paris, Frankfurt, Koln, Amsterdam, Brussels, and London) are connected to carry air containers using the existing HSR network (Strale, 2016). In the USA, Amtrak offers freight express services by using HSR trains to carry freight and post (Watson et al, 2018).…”

“…HSR has the ability to move goods in a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective way, which can improve trade links in Europe and Asia (Pazour et al 2010). Although the majority of HSR lines around the world are dedicated to passenger traffic, in a number of countries freight services are operated on HSR (Watson et al, 2018). Without a doubt, HSR is a technological advance and a symbol of modernity.…”

“…Troche (2005) analysed methods of coordinating passenger and freight transport on high-speed rail. In their study, Watson et al (2018) considered the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and studied the operational and technological constraints concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Pazour et al (2010) proposed a model to design a national high-speed rail network for freight distribution.…”

Assessing Environmental Benefits from Investment in Railway Infrastructure

“…Therefore, the capacity utilization level of these railways is not at the proper level, which requires additional funding and assistance from governments. Redirecting freight transport from roads to railways will improve the HSR economic performance, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport sector and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions [12]. Some of the benefits of driving freight through HSRs are [13]: -Transport of goods by rail emits less pollution from road, air or sea transport.…”