CONCEPT

Removing operational barriers of transnational railway connections

Operational barriers like differences in rolling stock prevent transnational connections from being used to their full potential. Furthermore, RoCK regions suffer from time-consuming adjustment of rolling stock at the border, infrequent schedules, or severe speed limitations as a result of different national safety regulations. The RoCk partners jointly develop and implement efficient and fast solutions to improve operability. Examples:

• Development of interoperability systems on the Intercity connection Eindhoven-Venlo-Düsseldorf
• A hybrid system solution for the Intercity link Eindhoven-Heerlen-Aachen
• Safety and system integration according to the European Railway Traffic Management System to allow higher speeds at the first Dutch-Belgium light rail connection Maastricht-Hasselt

Enhancing connectivity by innovative arrangements

Realisation of fast and more convenient connections is not only about removing technical and operational barriers. Better connectivity also requires innovative arrangements on infrastructure-related finance, planning and policy strategies. Because of European deregulation of the passenger rail market starting in 2010, RoCK projects will focus more strongly on cross-border travel. New designs for multi‑stakeholder planning processes and financing will be developed. The RoCK partners, together with the South East England Development Agency High Speed Train Community (SEEDA HST Community) and other stakeholders, will hold high-level debates on issues like cross-border fare calculation and put these topics on the EU agenda. Example:

• Business case for the Transmanche Metro, an interregional rail service between South East England Northern France, to make better use of the High Speed Train Channel link

Improving accessibility and stimulating use of transnational railway connections

To stimulate railway use, RoCK will develop fast and comfortable feeder facilities as well as transnational, intermodal ticketing and marketing tailored to specific needs and demands of knowledge workers. Projects in this area:

• A business case for an ultra-modern public transport system to connect new and existing campus areas of RWTH Aachen with Aachen West Station
• Concrete steps towards integrated ticketing with pilots for advanced PDA-based ticketing systems and web-based booking facilities
• Pilot in Reading, UK, to supply passengers with information via a wireless network
• Strategic marketing for the new cross-border connection Eindhoven-Heerlen-Aachen