In TRANSITECTS public institutions design common transnational intermodal solutions for freight transport in the Alpine Space. In the partnership different interests (economy, environment and transport) are integrated which is of crucial importance for a sustainable solution. The main aim of the project is to make the rail network more attractive and hence to foster its accessibility and functionality for the logistic market. The focus lies on developing innovative transnational rail services, on optimizing the use of existing rail infrastructure and on improving the accessibility of inland terminals. One innovative approach of the project is that it doesn’t stop on the borders of the Alpine Space as the traffic does neither. By cooperating closely with other European initiatives it creates synergies and leverage effects that have positive impacts on the Alpine Space and beyond. With these joint activities the project contributes to both, mitigation of negative effects of freight transport and promotion of the accessibility by rail.

In September the technical kick-off event of TRANSITECTS took place. Almost all involved regions participated and the implementation of the project could be successfully started. In this initial phase of the project the dissemination of the project idea to politicians and the logistic market is very important as for the development of intermodal solutions an involvement of the relevant market key players is essential. To achieve this aim a communication strategy was elaborated and relevant stakeholders were identified. With the public kick-off at the 3rd of March 2010 the politics and market will be informed about the project that is an important step for the further project implementation.

In two partner meetings in Cremona and Vienna the technical and organisational management structure was defined and a report about the status-quo of the project implementation was given by each partner. The management structure within the workpackages was agreed and the interfaces between the different workpackages were fixed. The port infrastructure of Cremona and Vienna could be visited and interesting discussions with the operators took place. For the development of intermodal solutions logistic stakeholders were identified and contacted. For cooperation with other European projects, relevant projects were identified and an exchange of information has started. By developing a communication strategy and a logo and establishing a website (www.transitects.org) the basis for further dissemination activities is established.

The public kick-off event is planned for the 3rd of May 2010. Politicians, market players and stakeholders in the logistic chain are invited to participate.