Fhwa International Technology Scanning Program Study Tour Summary Report On European Intermodal Programs

In September 1993, a team of four government and state transportation association representatives made a two-week scanning trip to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to discuss and report on European experiences with intermodal freight transportation policies and systems. The objective was to observe and document information on European Community (EC) - sometimes referred to as European Union (EU) - methods and experiences in the planning and administration, system development, environmental compliance, financing, marketing, and operation of increasingly complex and capital-intensive intermodal freight systems and facilities. To the extent that such information was pertinent to the public and private sector transportation community in the United States, it would be documented in the form of a summary report.

In September 1993, a team of four government and state transportation association representatives made a two-week scanning trip to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to discuss and report on European experiences with intermodal freight transportation policies and systems. The objective was to observe and document information on European Community (EC) - sometimes referred to as European Union (EU) - methods and experiences in the planning and administration, system development, environmental compliance, financing, marketing, and operation of increasingly complex and capital-intensive intermodal freight systems and facilities. To the extent that such information was pertinent to the public and private sector transportation community in the United States, it would be documented in the form of a summary report.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) sponsored an international technology scan to learn what actions are being taken in Europe to address habitat and wildlife issues. A delegation of federal, State, and conservation group representatives visited Slovenia, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands to observe and document efforts in Europe. As a result of the trip, the team formed conclusions and recommendations for U.S. applications in the areas of policy, communications, guidance manuals, and research.