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Goals and objectives
CATRIN (2007-2009) is a Research project to support the European Transport Policy, specifically to assist in the Implementation of Transport pricing. CATRIN will increase the probability that new progressive pricing principles can be implemented which facilitate a move towards sustainable transport. CATRIN is both intermodal and interdisciplinary, emphasize the need of new Member states, understands that different organisational forms require different recommendations, that recommendations need to be given in short and long-term perspective and that they have to be thoroughly discussed with infrastructure managers. CATRIN will clarify the current position on allocation of infrastructure cost in all modes of transport. Pricing principles will be dealt with under the knowledge that they varies with the organisational structure of a sector. CATRIN will establish the micro-aspects of cost recover above marginal costs, including the results of applying a club approach and the implication of who bears the costs for cost recovery under alternative allocation rules, using game theoretic analytical tools.
Description of activities
The The following activities have been carried out:
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Review of current cost allocation practice and up date methodology in all modes of transport (WP1).
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Development of a set of new cost allocation principles; including club approaches and game theory as well as congestion and scarcity pricing (WP2).
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A widening of the field of the research into the new Member States which facilitate tailored policy recommendations (WP3).
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Case studies that will support the understanding of the cost structure in the sector and the level of underlying costs for different pricing principles. (WP4-7)
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Case studies in which the consequences of introducing different pricing principles will be analysed (WP 4-7).
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Structured analysis of the differentiation on vehicle/vessel/car/train characteristics based on state-of-the-art engineering knowledge (WP 4-7)
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An outline for a European Road Damage Experiment to clarify the accuracy of the four power role for the European Transport Policy of the 21st century (WP4).
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A set of pricing and organisational alternatives for Baltic Sea Icebreaking Management (BIM) within the Motorway of the Sea concept (WP7).
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A thorough discussion with infrastructure managers about the pricing principles developed and the possibility to implement the results (WP8).
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Recommendations on cost allocation principles to be applied in European Union legislation (WP9)
Impact
The CATRIN project has created a common knowledge base on the cost allocation/pricing of infrastructure cost and as such promote the introduction of progressive pricing principles in Europe for 21st century. This impact is achieved through;
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A base of innovative high quality research
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A strong focus on ‘simple' recommendations
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A thoroughly discussion with infrastructure managers
The impact of CATRIN have been both in terms of policy impact and, more important, in contributing to the development of a sustainable transport system. Let us take one example; CATRIN has shed lights on the implementation of a new (and good) legislation on pricing of heavy goods vehicles (i.e. a new ‘Eurovignette' directive). This is the policy impact. Such legislation should be based on a common understanding of the problem, including the need of different organisational forms, and use a stable classifications of vehicles. The latter will have an impact on the European vehicle market, which will promote road friendly (and low emitting, safe and silent) vehicles. This in turn, will have an effect on the cost to preserve and develop the European road infrastructure. While this is, indeed, impressive impact of a small research project, we believe that additional benefits could come from the opportunity to agree on infrastructure cost principles and thus enable better internalisation also of (other) external
costs. This second benefit is probably even higher than the first. Thirdly, a legislation that is open to different organisational forms within a common framework will have the prospect to promote new innovations in the infrastructure sector. These are important steps towards sustainable transport. Similar developments can be postulated also in other modes, e.g. a common classification of locomotives which will have similar positive effects or a clear principle of financing and organizing European Sea Icebreaking. This is why CATRIN has emphasized the short-term policy relevance of the recommendations as has been outlined above.
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