Methodology for Determining the Location of Intermodal Transport Terminals for the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems: A Case Study from Slovakia

Ján Ližbetin

doi:10.3390/su11051230

Abstract

A high-quality infrastructure and technical base is a vital factor in the development of intermodal transport in transport systems. Intermodal transport terminals are the most important component of a combined transport infrastructure, providing an essential connection between different modes of transport. This article deals with the issue of where to locate intermodal transport terminals within a transport network. In reality, this decision comes down to the potential of a particular location (e.g., an industrial park) and the critical role of private investors. These are mostly subjective factors, whereby little or no consideration is given to objective criteria. Within this context, it is extremely important that decisions are taken with regards to the development and construction of public networks, and economically neutral intermodal transport terminals by independent subjects are based on a non-discriminatory approach. In other words, it is essential that such terminals are built in places that comply with the stated priorities of the transport policy of a specific state. In this article, the author puts forward a method for determining the location of terminals that are based on the optimisation of several influential factors. The specified methodology is applied to a case study in Slovakia. The theoretical part of the article deals with the nature of the method to be applied. The discussion part involves a case study concerning the (potential) location of intermodal transport terminals in the Slovak Republic.

Highlights

The importance of the issue addressed is indisputable
It can be argued that the total transport capacity for collections and deliveries by road in terms of intermodal transport units is dependent on the number and location of Intermodal transport terminals (ITTs)
The particular indicators influencing the location of ITTs at given vertices and included in the initial matrix were as follows

Summary

Introduction

The sustainability of a transport system in any state or a unit (e.g., the EU) consists in a harmonized use of available transport infrastructures capacities, the completion of several smaller shipments into a bigger one, and the transportation of goods for longer distances using modes of transport with greater capacity. This objective is achievable by operating intermodal transport chains. To ensure that intermodal transport is attractive and evolving, it is necessary to build quality and available infrastructure. Intermodal transport terminals are the most necessary element of transport infrastructure for intermodal transport. The terminal location and capacity depend on their future use and intermodal transport development

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion