Example of Modal Shift in the South-East Hungary Region

In this study, we investigate an example of a modal shift in the South-Eastern Hungary region with respect to modern container handling technologies. We examine the traffic on the main roads in the region, the rail infrastructure network and the container handling process that ensure competitive freight transport. Advances in technology, robotisation and the application of Industry 4.0 methods to container handling could have a significant impact on the construction of continental container terminals, creating opportunities for more efficient operation of rail infrastructure. Modern container handling and the rail-road intermodal freight transport it underpins could be a prerequisite for sustainable freight transport. We present a model for competitive intermodal freight transport on a market basis and its potential for implementation in the south-eastern region of Hungary. Based on the forecasted traffic data, a calculation procedure is presented to calculate the modal shift rate. We also present a calculation procedure for the evolution of the turnover of the operating company and the change in the revenues of the state authorities.