Opportunities for reinforcing cross-border railway connections: the case of the Liège (Belgium) – Maastricht (the Netherlands) connection

Abstract

Efficient mobility is an essential driving force for the development of cross-border (CB) regions. The different settings and visions of neighbouring CB entities may lead to unsatisfactory transport connections across the border. This case study of a CB connection focuses on this issue and highlights, by means of a comparative analysis, how the differences in six perspectives (the economic context; urban and regional planning in Belgium and the Netherlands; the structure of the rail network; barriers in the exploitation of the railway; the current travel demand by rail; and the governance, public planning and policy context) lead to an unsatisfactory rail connection between Liège (Belgium) and Maastricht (the Netherlands). Based on the results of the analysis, we suggest reinforcing cross-mobility connections through several tools such as (i) the development of a common governance, by including economic and social stakeholders; (ii) the development of joint technical projects in relation to the infrastructure, communication systems and the rolling stock; and (iii) the strengthening of flows between the two sides of the border, especially the homework flows.

Regional Borders, Commuting and Transport Network Integration

“…borders as national governments do not internalize the benefits from reductions in domestic transportation costs that accrue to foreign consumers. Sippel, Nolte, Maarfield, Wolff, and Roux (2018) and Christmann, Mostert, Wilmotte, Lambotte, and Cools (2020) present case studies investigating possible missing cross-border connections between European countries.…”

“…In turn, one can expect that cross-border road construction projects are less likely to be undertaken than within jurisdiction projects. Sippel et al (2018) and Christmann et al (2020) discuss real-world case studies of an under-provision of across border infrastructure.…”