Efficient transport systems are essential to the smooth movement of goods and people, playing a key role in economic development. Multimodal Transport Networks (MTNs), which connect various transport modes such as road, rail, and waterways, are pivotal for supporting global trade. However, challenges such as inconsistent infrastructure, limited funding, fragmented regulations, and competing stakeholder interests hinder the full potential of MTNs. To address these issues, the ReMuNet project has developed a reference model for multimodal transport networks, as outlined in Deliverable 2.1 “ReMuNet Reference Model for Multimodal Transport Networks”, which was written by Fraunhofer Austria.
A reference model is a structured framework that helps stakeholders analyse and improve transport systems. It ensures standardisation and comparability between different transport systems, enabling the efficient exchange of information across stakeholders. The ReMuNet model improves communication, helping policymakers, businesses, and researchers use a common approach to transport planning. Additionally, it fosters adaptability and efficiency by optimising processes and facilitating the integration of new technologies.
The ReMuNet reference model defines key elements of a multimodal transport network and explores their interactions. It identifies essential data sources for transport planning, which can support better decision-making and more efficient management. The goal is to simplify complex transport systems, making them more resilient and sustainable. Key components of the model include transported goods, transport nodes (such as warehouses and hubs), transport route sections, and disruptive events like weather delays or strikes.
A significant challenge for transport planning is accounting for disruptions that can affect networks. While existing models often fail to incorporate such disruptions effectively, ReMuNet addresses this gap by incorporating them into its framework. By using structured data categories, the reference model enables stakeholders to better manage unexpected events and minimise their impact on the transport system.
The ReMuNet methodology for developing the reference model began with identifying key elements of a transport network through consultations with industry experts. This iterative process led to the creation of a comprehensive data requirement list, which was refined through several rounds of feedback. The collected data was categorised into four meta-levels: Transported Goods, Nodes, Transport Route Sections, and Disruptive Events. This structured approach ensures that the model aligns with real-world transport operations.
The methodology also involved using a relational database model to organise transport data efficiently. This model allows for the easy mapping of relationships between entities such as goods, routes, and transport modes, ensuring that the data can be used effectively for planning and decision-making. Additionally, various transport-related attributes, such as weight, time windows, and route conditions, were categorised as either static or dynamic to capture both unchanging and fluctuating factors in transport operations.
Despite the challenges of gathering data from various stakeholders, ReMuNet successfully incorporated a wide range of data sources and also addressed issues such as data anonymisation and simulation, which were necessary to create a practical model. The ReMuNet reference model now provides a foundation for building a Europe-wide multimodal transport network database, offering the potential to optimise transport routes, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of European transport networks.
Deliverable 2.1 represents a significant step towards a more integrated and resilient European transport system. By providing a standardised reference model for multimodal transport networks, ReMuNet not only simplifies the complexities of transport planning but also paves the way for more efficient and adaptable transport systems across Europe.
Read deliverable 2.1 here.
Funded by the European Union under GA number 101104072. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.