Co-modality - A forgotten concept?

Abstract

Co-modality was first introduced in 2006 by the European Commission, the definition was stated as “the efficient use of different transport modes on their own or in combination will result in an optimal and sustainable utilisation of resources”. The authors decided to dig deeper into the true meaning of this vaguely defined concept. Stakeholders within the transport industry were asked upon their view of co-modality. A few of these knew the true definition as stated by the European Commission, while the majority interpreted it as equal to intermodality or were not even aware about the concept. These results lead the authors to try to find out if the co-modality actually is a viable and useful concept for future development within the freight transport industry. In order to do this, the authors hypothetically suggested the inclusion of a triple bottom line model, to by some means assess and measure transport solutions. Furthermore, the authors investigated the possibility to draw parallels to philosophies of improvements, found in other industry sectors. The results out of this hypothesis was that out of economic, environmental and social aspects included in a triple bottom line model, the economic and environmental aspects linked to freight transport were extensively covered in research and business agendas, while the social aspects showed to be less considered. This made the authors obliged to put extra attention towards social aspects, with respect to freight transport. The suggested parallel to other philosophies of improvements, proved to reach consensus by stakeholders of the transport industry. By viewing co-modality as a philosophy of improvements, applicable to the transport industry rather than as a vaguely defined concept, the possibility of co-modality to reach further coherence as a useful way to develop transports in the future should increase.