Adapted cost-benefit analysis methodology for innovative railway services

Siciliano, Giuseppe; Barontini, Francesco; Islam, Dewan Md Zahurul; Zunder, TH; Mahler, Stefan; Grossoni, Ilaria

doi:10.1007/s12544-016-0209-5

Cited by 18 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Horizontal collaboration between non competing partners, and the role of freight integrators in that process, whilst advanced by the P&G case, would merit further research across all modes, and transfer into other problem fields of transport such as city logistics, where co-operation is often called for but rarely happens [42]. The technical solutions for these cases largely exist, and we suggest that concentrated cost-benefit analysis, combining traditional top down social analysis with bottom line entrepreneurial planning, is key [43]. The scheduling of faster freight trains on urban rail networks has been modelled in SIMUL8 and validated further [21].…”

Section: Associated and Ongoing Researchmentioning

confidence: 93%

Experiences of rail intermodal freight transport for low-density high value (LDHV) goods in Europe

Islam

Zunder

2018

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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Objective: Previous studies have suggested an upward growth trend in low density, high value (LDHV) goods in Europe. Such goods require time sensitive, reliable services and currently, most LDHV goods are transported by road. The paper presents the findings of four case studies which detail the barriers and enablers to intermodal rail services for transporting LDHV goods. Methodology: We applied a methodological pluralism, quantitative and qualitative, on an inductive basis. Using a case study approach, the research investigates the requirements of shippers, identifies key barriers to intermodal rail service offerings and, based on the findings, suggests enablers for intermodal rail freight transport. The current research applies parallel top down and bottom up streams, with a final integration synthesis. Findings: Terminals may appear as an important barrier or enabler towards achieving a competitive intermodal rail service. By making rail terminal as an enabler, the research suggests that it is possible to carry LDHV goods by intermodal rail in a cost-efficient manner. The research attempts to seek a potential innovative solution to the barriers identified. The research compares road with an intermodal railroad solution, in terms of cost and time, for a door-to-door service along the selected routes/corridors. Recommendation: The research recommends that technical solutions, such as automated transhipment and temperature controlled systems, are required for rail freight services for LDHV goods, but that they must be complemented by collaborative operational solutions and viable service planning for an intermodal rail transport service to be reliable and competitive with road transport.

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Section: Associated and Ongoing Researchmentioning

confidence: 93%

Experiences of rail intermodal freight transport for low-density high value (LDHV) goods in Europe

Islam

Zunder

2018

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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“…The first step in LCC analysis is to identify the problem and determine the estimating aims. Typical analysis goals, expressed in output data categories, are, according to Siciliano et al (2016), andTulowiecki &Szkoda (2007): assessment of the impact of various modernization variants at the LCC cost, identification of cost elements for development work or optimization of modernization variants.…”

Section: Analysis Goals and Problems Definitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic Analysis of the Life‑cycle Cost Structure for Railway Traffic Control Systems

Ciszewski¹,

Nowakowski²

2018

EMS

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In the case of complex technical systems that should deliver long life, high availability, safety and reliability, such as railway traffic control systems, the ownership costs many times exceed the costs of its acquisition. Therefore, infrastructure operators in order to make optimal economic decisions, regarding the systems purchase or and modernization, expect that system delivers will give complex information not only about the initial costs of purchasing the system, but also about the costs of its operation and liquidation. It allows to include in budget plans, growing requirements for the reliability availability of infrastructure as well as crucial issue-the traffic safety. Considering the widespread use of railway traffic control systems, which are part of the railway infrastructure, even small savings obtained for individual systems can be resulted into significant financial benefits for infrastructure owners and operators. One of the methods which helps to consider all of the above-mentioned types of costs is the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis. In the case of railway traffic control systems it is a mandatory part of RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) / LCC analysis. Its requirements are defined in the European Union directives, and the methodology is included in the CENELEC standards. The methodology of the LCC analysis, including economic aspects as well as safety and reliability requirements specific to railway traffic control systems was presented by the authors. LCC structure for three various examples of railway traffic control systems were considered. This economic analysis includes level crossing protection system, axle counting system and automatic block signalling. Based on these examples the differences in the LCC structure for individual systems were presented.

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“…However the need for such modern wagons has been seen by the industry and the European Union and directly influenced by this research and others in the SPECTRUM project, the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, a joint venture between the sector and the EU, has made the development of such wagons a research and innovation priority, with funding, in its 2015 Multi-Annual Action Plan [25]. What is not addressed in the plan are business models that can generate returns on investment to attract operators or leasing companies to invest in such new innovative wagons, although this has since been explored by Siciliano et al in this very journal [26].…”

Section: Policy Implications For Novel Freight Wagonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of existing and future rail freight services and Technologies for low Density High Value Goods in Europe

Zunder

Islam

2017

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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Introduction In recent years there have been major changes in the composition of cargo to the point where, in Europe, semi-finished products (e.g. car parts) and finished goods represent the greatest transport demand. This type of cargo is typically of lower density and higher value (LDHV) than previous goods and requires faster and more reliable transportation. Currently, LDHV goods are predominantly transported by road. Methodology This research applies qualitative approach with an online survey consisting of 24 industry experts in assessing the 'existing' solutions for competitive rail freight service operation for LDHV cargoes, plus the proposed 'future' (i.e. in 7 years' time). The results are presented in the form of a 'GAP' analysis that examined three core themes: 'wagon', 'train and hubs' and 'business quality and planning'. Results The study finds that, under the theme of wagon, the provision of an electrical power supply to each individual rail freight wagon is deemed important. In the train and hubs theme, the research suggests that greater importance is assigned to terminal access and functionality, rather than their overall cargo handling capabilities. In the business quality and planning theme, one issue in particular stood out: the ability to freely integrate freight and passenger services; this is considered a key requirement of the railways of the future. Conclusion This research contributes significantly to the field by demonstrating that the desire to transport LDHV goods by rail freight has potential. There are difficulties in integrating freight and passenger services, but technical innovation can allow freight services to operate at similar performance levels to passenger services. This research has identified a number of such technical innovations. It is envisaged that the adoption of these innovations, by the rail industry, will lead to a modal shift from road to rail for the transport of LDHV goods. The analysis suggests that the emerging technologies presented in the survey (e.g. horizontal transhipment) have the capability to promote modal shift by directly strengthening the rail freight service offering, as an alternative to less sustainable modes such as road. Finally the research is revelatory in that this topic has not been addressed by academia nor the industry previously, and has identified future research gaps and questions with potential impact that researchers can look to answer in the future.

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Adapted cost-benefit analysis methodology for innovative railway services

Abstract: Purpose This paper reviews and adapts the methodology BGuide on the methodology for carrying out cost

Cited by 18 publications

References 8 publications

Experiences of rail intermodal freight transport for low-density high value (LDHV) goods in Europe

Experiences of rail intermodal freight transport for low-density high value (LDHV) goods in Europe

Economic Analysis of the Life‑cycle Cost Structure for Railway Traffic Control Systems

Assessment of existing and future rail freight services and Technologies for low Density High Value Goods in Europe

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