The Institute of Transport Economics (Transportøkonomisk institutt, TØI) is an independent, non-profit research center based in Oslo that conducts interdisciplinary research on transport and mobility. It is one of Scandinavia's leading institutions for analyzing the economic, social, and political impacts of transport systems.

The European Conference of Transport Research Institutes (ECTRI) is an international association of European transport research institutes and university units with the aim of providing scientific evidence for sustainable, efficient and inclusive transport policy. The association was founded in 2003 and now comprises more than 28 research institutions from over 20 countries.

Tasks:

• Coordination and networking of the European transport research area – exchange and joint activities between member institutes.

• Research on multimodal mobility, including options for land-based transport (road, rail, shipping) from the perspectives of energy, environment, safety, economy and politics.

• Policy support and knowledge production – publications, strategic work and expert groups that provide scientific foundations for policy makers in Europe.

ECTRI is organised into thematic working groups (e.g. Economics & Policy, Mobility, Freight & Logistics, Traffic Management) and acts as an interface between academic research and policy strategies at EU level.

The Mobility and Transport Policy Research Unit at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy is a scientific research unit that investigates which political strategies, instruments and actors are suitable for transforming the transport sector towards sustainable mobility in Germany. It analyses framework conditions, structures and trends in the mobility and transport system and, based on this, develops concepts, measures and procedures for shaping transport policy that integrates ecological, social and economic goals.

The aim of the research is to provide decision-makers in politics and administration, business, cities, regions and civil society with evidence-based recommendations for action that support the transition to climate-friendly, low-emission and socially balanced mobility.
The focus is particularly on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising health risks from pollutants or traffic accidents, and making efficient use of limited public space and resources.

The research project commissioned by the DZSF, ‘Procurement processes of vehicles for urban rail passenger transport’, conducted a comprehensive analysis of how the procurement of road and light rail vehicles can be made more efficient. 

The background to this is that growing passenger numbers and the expansion of urban local rail transport require higher transport capacity, which is, however, hampered by long and complex procurement processes. The study systematically examined all phases of the procurement process – from preparation and tendering to implementation and delivery – as well as the legal framework in Germany and other European countries. In addition, the degree of compatibility between German light rail networks was analysed in order to identify potential for cooperation between transport companies. 

The key findings include identified acceleration and inhibition factors as well as specific recommendations, including the standardisation of tender documents, the use of suitable IT tools, improved resource management and professional project and quality management. The project started in January 2023, ran for 24 months and was successfully completed. The contractor was TÜV Rheinland InterTraffic GmbH, Cologne.

FP2-R2DATO advances rail safety and efficiency by demonstrating Automatic and Autonomous Train Operation (ATO) technologies, moving them toward higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Deliverable D39.3 outlines the testing framework for ATO up to GoA4 and Remote Driving at the San Donato Test Ring using Trenitalia’s hybrid train. It details the integration of ATO into operational environments, perception and remote driving functions within ERTMS/ETCS Level 2 infrastructure, laboratory setups, required hardware/software modifications, and comprehensive testing scenarios. The deliverable shows that ATO technologies are maturing and ready for evaluation in real-world operational contexts, supporting the interoperability of advanced automation with existing train control systems. This enhances capacity, punctuality, and cost efficiency while contributing to a more digital, automated, and energy-efficient European rail system.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Infrastructure Managers, Member States, Policymakers, National Safety Authorities, Notified Bodies

FP5-TRANS4M-R aims to establish rail freight as the backbone of Europe’s logistics chain, with Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) solutions playing a central role. The document details comprehensive test procedures for wagons and hybrid couplers to achieve TRL8, ensuring DAC systems function correctly and reliably. Tests cover component, vehicle, and train levels, with DAC suppliers participating in laboratory and demo train validations. This methodology supports further technological development and brings DAC solutions closer to deployment, strengthening rail freight efficiency and interoperability across Europe.

Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Suppliers, Wagon keepers, Researchers, End-users

FP5-TRANS4M-R supports establishing rail freight as the backbone of European logistics by deploying key technologies such as Standardised European Checkpoints (ERC), Intelligent Video Gates (IVGs), and on-board systems. This deliverable details the deployment of Spanish IVGs and on-board demonstrators, including locations, system architecture, hardware, ICT components, installation plans, and future testing procedures. The outlined test plans ensure proper functioning and quality of the demonstrators, forming a foundation for future development. By advancing automation and digitalisation of rail freight operations, these systems contribute to safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective logistics, while promoting best practices and standardisation across European rail networks.

Target audience: Rail Stakeholders, Freight operators, Researchers, End-users

InBridge4EU enhances railway bridge design and assessment by advancing the scientific understanding of dynamic performance criteria. Deliverable 5.1 presents WP5 results, revising vertical deck acceleration limits in Eurocode EN 1990 for ballastless railway bridges. Using 1,430 3D train–track–bridge interaction simulations, the study evaluates derailment risk through Nadal and Unloading criteria, comparing them with deck accelerations across various spans, speeds, and track irregularities. Findings indicate that vertical deck acceleration is poorly correlated with derailment risk, whereas track quality and rail unevenness have a much greater effect. The work informs potential revisions of EN 1990 limits, supporting safer, more cost-efficient, and interoperable bridge design while maintaining rail operational safety.

Target audience: Infrastructure Managers, Rail stakeholders, Member States, Policymakers, National Safety Authorities, Notified Bodies, European standardization bodies