The multimodal transport, i.e. the use of different modes (or means) of transport on the same journey, offers various benefit as it takes advantage of the strengths of the different modes used and combines them to offer more efficient transport solutions for people and goods. Moreover, multimodal transport will help ease the pressure on congested roads and make the whole transport sector more environmentally friendly as it reduces CO2 and other air pollutants emissions. This will help to reach the goals set by the Paris Agreement on climate (COP21).

Throughout the thematic year on multimodality the Commission will put together a series of legislative and policy initiatives and events aiming at promoting the functioning of the transport sector as a fully integrated ‘system’. The subjects will include:

• digitalisation, with a focus on the electronic transport documents proposal and multimodal travel information and ticketing;
• the use of economic incentives to promote multimodality through e.g. the revision of the Combined Transport Directive;
• support to multimodal infrastructure and innovation, physical and digital, thanks to EU funds (such as Horizon 2020, Connecting Europe Facility, etc.);
• working towards a legislative framework to protect passenger rights in multimodal journeys;
• the promotion of ‘active mobility’ integrated with other modes in particular in an urban and smart cities context.

Amongst the events already scheduled to promote multimodality, on 20 March 2018 a High-level Conference on European Multimodal Freight Transport will be held in Sofia.

Davide Scavuzzo