Connecting the hinterland via sub-nodes to the TEN-T core network
SubNodes tackles the weak intermodal integration of peri-urban hinterland regions to primary TEN-T hubs. Suitable medium-sized cities in these areas shall be developed into attractive intermodal secondary hubs (so called "subnodes"), which better connect the hinterland to the TEN-T rail network. The project intends to establish this approach in the participating regions and beyond by adopting a SubNodes Strategy, conceptualizing its implementation and testing innovative actions in real world conditions. Policy recommendations derived from this process will be integrated into the transport plans of the regions. Planning capacities of transport authorities will be enhanced by mutual-learning platforms so that they can respond more targeted to passenger needs in peri-urban regions. Through the pilots the modal split of the connections concerned will change in favour of public transport already during project lifetime, through policy integration of the strategy and the action plans this trend shall sustain beyond. Project results will immediately be used by the partners as transport authorities or operators, and by the general public regarding pilots; the latter being indirectly the end users. Further stakeholders will benefit through transfer and capacity building events. SubNodes was born by the notion that many regions are seeking solutions how to adapt their secondary transport network to an upgraded or new TEN-T node within or close to their territories (e.g. VDE8 in Thuringia). Rooted in the Territorial Agenda 2020, SubNodes is a strategic approach to promote polycentric development in the public transport sector in light of changing settlement patterns and locational advantages due to major investments in TEN-T. The development of subnodes on a transnational level is an instrument to better exploit accessibility gains also in the hinterland, therefore SubNodes&#39; transnational added value is to enhance the effects of the transnational TEN-T infrastructure.