EiFa-S: Development of a showcase platform for unified timetables in combined transport

The EiFa-S project aims to make Combined Transport (CT / “Kombinierter Verkehr”, KV) connections easier to discover and to compare across providers by improving access to timetable and connection information. EiFa-S builds on the previous mFUND feasibility study EiFa and now moves into the implementation phase. The project transforms conceptual results into a robust technical system architecture and a publicly available showcase platform. 

A central element is the further development of the Intermodal Map into a neutral entry point where harmonised timetable data, CT terminals and connection information are brought together in a map-based interface. The ambition is to lower barriers for CT “newcomers” (e.g., shippers and forwarders) and support a shift to more sustainable transport solutions.  

Objectives

EiFa-S aims to: 

• Increase transparency of CT connections by enabling cross-provider visibility of routes and timetable information.  
• Deliver a harmonised CT timetable template usable for different means of transport (publicly available) and associated technical specifications, including consistent terminal coding and defined data formats/interfaces.  
• Develop and test a neutral system architecture (data model + interfaces) that enables timetable information from different actors to be combined and compared.  
• Support new users and planning use-cases through a user-friendly “showcase” application (including connection enquiry and door-to-door routing), while ensuring European transferability through the project partnership.  
• Reach an implementation maturity that enables real-world take-up, targeting TRL 6–7 through piloting and validation with sector stakeholders.  

Methodology 

EiFa-S combines standardisation work with practical demonstration: 

• From feasibility to deployment: EiFa-S builds on the results of the conducted mFUND feasibility study EiFa for harmonising CT timetable data (EiFa) and translates it into a working technical solution.  
• Neutral “showcase” platform: The Intermodal Map is upgraded to integrate harmonised timetable data, terminal information, connection details and door-to-door routing in a map-based interface.  
• Data model + interfaces: A system architecture is developed to support data ingestion, mapping/conversion and exchange via interfaces, enabling different data sources and formats to be used consistently.  
• Collaboration Lab: In parallel, a collaborative environment is developed to allow stakeholders, especially shippers and road hauliers, to simulate and test potential CT relations. It considers not only rail and road but also inland waterways.  
• Stakeholder-led validation: The project is designed with continuous feedback of CT actors to ensure the solution is usable, accepted and scalable across the ecosystem.  

Duration: February 2026 – July 2028.  

Impact and benefits 

EiFa-S is designed to deliver benefits across the CT chain: 

• Lower market entry barriers: Potential users can more easily understand CT options and compare them with road-only solutions thanks to improved transparency and harmonised information.  
• Better planning and decision-making: A unified, neutral data foundation supports planning, evaluation and further digital services – helping actors identify viable CT relations and opportunities for modal shift.  
• A foundation for interoperability: By enabling consistent terminal identification and harmonised timetable structures, EiFa-S supports integration into other systems and platforms and enables future digital applications and data-driven business models.  
• Sustainability and system benefits: Increased CT uptake supports reduced emissions and external costs compared with road-only transport, contributing to broader climate and resilience goals.   

Why ALICE is part of EiFa-S and what is its role? 

EiFa-S directly supports ALICE’s mission to accelerate the transition towards efficient, resilient and zero-emission freight and logistics systems in Europe. A key enabler of this transition is digital interoperability and transparent data exchange across transport modes – precisely the challenge addressed by EiFa-S through harmonised Combined Transport (CT) timetable data. 

As the European Technology Platform for logistics, ALICE brings a strong European innovation, deployment and policy perspective to the project. EiFa-S aligns with ALICE’s roadmap priorities on multimodal integration, data-driven logistics, and the Physical Internet, where standardised and interoperable information flows are essential for seamless transport chains. 

Within EiFa-S, ALICE’s role focuses on: 

• European stakeholder engagement: Mobilising its network of logistics service providers, shippers, technology companies and research actors to validate needs, ensure user relevance and facilitate early uptake. 
• Dissemination and scaling: Promoting project results across European forums, working groups and conferences, ensuring that the harmonised timetable approach can be replicated and extended beyond the pilot context. 
• Strategic alignment with EU initiatives: Positioning EiFa-S outcomes within broader European digitalisation, multimodality and modal shift strategies, ensuring coherence with existing standards and innovation programmes. 
• Integration into the Physical Internet vision: Supporting the uptake of harmonised freight timetable structures as a building block for more connected, open and interoperable logistics networks. 

ALICE does not pursue commercial interests in the project results. Instead, its contribution is to ensure that EiFa-S creates lasting value for the wider European logistics ecosystem, strengthening interoperability, supporting modal shift, and accelerating the digital transformation of Combined Transport.