The share of freight flows in the total transport market that opts for intermodal alternatives remains limited both in Europe and in Belgium. Different policies have nevertheless been introduced, to facilitate and enhance the use of intermodal transport.Research shows that a major barrier to the increased use of intermodal transport relates to inertia and unawareness in decision-making. The research tackled in this thesis therefore deals with supporting relevant actors (shippers,transport- and network operators, and policy makers) in their decision-making to increase the market share of intermodal transport in Belgium. The thesis describes the three major components of the transport system, which determine the modal split of freight transport: transport supply, transport demand and a broader policy framework. Each section includes a description of the ‘as is situation’ and describes the development of decision support systems aimed to help the corresponding decision-makers in making decisions that can trigger a mental shift. This mental shift must lead to a modal shift in the longer run.
Promotor: prof. dr. Cathy Macharis
Committee members: prof. dr. An Caris (UHasselt), prof. dr. Frank Canters (VUB), dr. Rob Konings (TU Delft), prof. dr. Lieselot Vanhaverbeke (VUB), dr. Tom van Lier (VUB)