Analysis of intermode connections in terms of transport system development in Poland

Continuous and dynamic development of freight transports, especially in the road sector, results in generation of negative effects on the environment and poses hazards to human health and life and by generating high costs it creates significant economic, social and environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to take actions aiming at promotion of development of sustainable and efficient transport systems, integrating different transport branches and technologies. Such requirements are fulfilled by the subsystem of inter-mode transport system, that is, combined transport which is an alternative for a traditional road transport, and can also play a very important role in achieving goals of the European policy for sustainable development of transport. Its promotion can largely contribute to solving present and future problems connected with transport in Europe through relieving excessively loaded roads from a certain portion of freight transports which will result in improvement in the traffic safety and reduction of its negative impact on the humans and the environment. Providing high quality of inter-mode transport operation, especially in terms of reliability, punctuality, safety and keeping delivery terms depends on the infrastructure state, modern equipment of terminals and efficiency and effectiveness of their functioning. It should be emphasized that promoting inter-mode transport provides social benefits on a big scale as shifting a part of international road transports into a combined one inter-mode can have a significant influence on reduction of the road transport external harmful effects. In this paper, there has been made an analysis and assessment of inter-mode transports in Poland, taking into consideration the motor and railway (linear and point) infrastructure. Also, a suggestion concerning the location and construction of terminals for the service of inter-mode transports has been considered. Moreover, a technical-economic analysis of implementation of the discussed solution purposefulness has been made as well.