Objectives
As a starting point MODUrban will define and prove the necessary functional, electrical and mechanical interfaces, and validation procedures necessary to deliver the range of interchangeable modules that will make the next generation of affordable urban guided public transport a reality. The project's economic advantages together with the technical solutions fulfill the objectives of increased rail competitiveness and interoperability (modularity) defined in the agenda for the European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC).
To fulfil objectives defined in the ERRAC agenda, the MODUrban consortium proposes to carry out the R&D activities detailed in the proposal to help achieve the following targets:
- A reduction of up to 10% in average cost per passenger per km (pkm) (including the result of achieving better energy efficiency), a 30% increase in the productivity of the new rolling stock and an increase of the percentage of component reusability into new series owing to standard interfacing currently almost non existent. Within the ERRAC objectives for 2020, MODUrban will specifically increase the percentage of component reusability into new series owing to standard interfacing up to a level of around 50%-60%.
- For the Supply Industry - a marked reduction in bidding costs (estimated at up to 25% at the end of the process) due to increased modularisation of system architecture. Furthermore, increased harmonisation of sub-systems, components and interfaces together with uniform conformity assessment procedures would foster platform-based production patterns combined with a decrease (estimated at 20-30%) in design, manufacturing and validation costs and a reduction in the time-to-market (estimated at 30%).
- For public transport operators - In addition to the savings from the above-mentioned economies of scale achieved by the supply industry, it is anticipated that reliability may improve by up to 25% and maintenance costs be reduced by up to 30%. Substantial benefits could be expected thanks to the further automation of metro systems in terms of additional capacity provided at off-peak and night operations (no extra costs for staff and more staff flexibility). Whatever the rail mode (metro or light rail), the use of modularised components and interfaces shall bring cost reductions that can tip the competitive balance decisively in favour of rail -based systems and deliver first class time-to-market services. The use of a common core architecture will drastically reduce by 40% the duration of the migration phases and to facilitate the upgrading of existing networks.
- For the European citizen - It is expected that overall European transport demand over the next 20 years will have grown by 40% (all motorised road and rail based modes) and that the total rail transport share will almost double. The objective is to enable the citizen to have confidence in travelling by rail in a stress free environment and to use rail rather than private motorised means for urban trips. That's why the passenger needs will be integrated at design stage of the new systems.
- Increase capacity on existing infrastructure (e.g.), in order to reach for metros headways of 80 seconds (peak-time), and average commercial speeds of a minimum of 30 km/h (in comparison to bus operation of no more than 10 km/h on average in congested areas).
- Increase the energy efficiency of an already environmental friendly means of transportation by at least 10% while offering an increased level of comfort able to attract more passengers from private cars.
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