As part of the LogIKTram research project, it was determined how future urban freight transport can be shifted by tram or regional train. At the final event of the LogIKTram research project in Karlsruhe in June 2024, an approach to sustainably relieving urban and regional road traffic was presented: Shifting freight transport on medium and short distances from road to rail. Either special tram wagons used as so-called ‘freight trams’ or trailers attached to a regional railway (urban-rural railway) can form an innovative and environmentally friendly transport system for the urban and regional supply of private households and businesses. For lower volumes, load carriers the size of a Euro pallet can be used, or in the case of the demonstration, a cargo bike trailer. For larger volumes, swap bodies are suitable for direct transfer between carrier wagons and lorries.
Live demonstration of the research results
Presentations were given on the innovative logistics concept and the ICT platform. The logistics concept is transferable to different applications and represents a fundamental guideline for rail-based urban logistics. The ICT platform ensures the flow of information from the customer’s first transport enquiry to transport control and shipment tracking. In a live demonstration, a prototype implementation of the Gütertram system for the combination of cargo bike trailers and light rail was presented. An electrically assisted bicycle trailer drove independently into the designated loading area of the tram. In commercial operation, the electrically powered cargo bike trailer would be taken over by a bike courier for delivery.
Innovative concepts for smooth coordination
The LogIKTram project brought together two very different systems: passenger transport and logistics. Until now, there were neither standards nor interfaces for data exchange. Thanks to the use of the latest data standards from European research projects, which have already proven their worth in urban logistics in the Netherlands, the booking tool developed by MARLO Consultants GmbH allows bookings to be made directly via the customer’s transport management systems without manual interaction. The standardised transport execution plan (TEP) that originates from the booking forms the basis for transport control and monitoring and can be updated in the event of deviations. The logistics concept was evaluated using an exemplary network simulation.
A model for other cities
The growing online trade not only has an impact on delivery traffic, but also puts a strain on the road infrastructure and residents alike. The basic idea is therefore to reuse the existing rail infrastructure for urban logistics, albeit in a highly automated way compared to historical systems. LogIKTram is intended to serve as a model for other cities with tram or regional railway networks.
Author: Dipl.-Ing. Roland Frindik, MARLO Consultants GmbH
Updated:
29.08.2024
