European intermodal transport faced a 3.89% decline in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR). However, this decrease was less severe than in previous quarters, indicating a potential return to a positive trend in the upcoming months.
Several factors contributed to the weakened performance, including reduced demand for consumer goods across Europe and disruptions in rail traffic due to strikes and track maintenance. Despite these challenges, there are signs of stabilization in the economic landscape, with some European countries witnessing a slight uptick in combined transport.
UIRR reports an improvement in the industry sentiment index, which has now reached a neutral level. Prospects for improvement are on the horizon, particularly once normal rail operations resume in key transport arteries like the Alpine Frejus and Saint Gothard Base Tunnels. Barring significant disruptions, a shift towards positive results in the combined transport sector is foreseeable in the coming quarters.