SCBA Brussels-Luxemburg
23091
This cost-benefit analysis examines the upgrading of the rail link between Brussels and Luxembourg as part of the EuroCap-Rail project. TML concludes that the modernisation of this route will provide faster and more frequent trains, saving travel time, attracting new passengers, and contributing to lower accident and pollution costs.
This cost-benefit analysis (CBA) focuses on upgrading the rail connection between Brussels and Luxembourg, as part of the larger EuroCap-Rail project aimed at connecting the three European capitals (Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg). The project involves modernising two key lines, with particular emphasis on the segment between the Louvain-la-Neuve junction and the Luxembourg border. This section is crucial for international train traffic between two capitals, both with important EU institutions and economic hubs. The links serves thousands of commuters daily and connects larger cities such as Brussels, Namur, Arlon, and Luxembourg for short and long-distance commuting.
Upgrades such as the regularisation of track spacings, adaptations of engineering structures, and electrification updates aim to increase the reference speed from 130 km/h to 160 km/h, allowing for faster and more frequent trains. Additionally, they facilitate a modal shift towards rail, reducing accident, pollution, and climate change costs.
The most important effect is the positive effect for the consumers. The project has a large benefit for the existing users in the form of time travel gains and can attract new passengers who normally go by car. As the train is much safer than road transport, there is a large positive benefit with respect to the accident costs. The effect on air pollution and climate change is smaller, but still positive. Apart from the investment and operating costs, there is a cost for society: the increased waiting time for cars at level crossings.
Overall, the benefits outweigh the costs of the project.
This cost-benefit analysis (CBA) focuses on upgrading the rail connection between Brussels and Luxembourg, as part of the larger EuroCap-Rail project aimed at connecting the three European capitals (Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg). The project involves modernising two key lines, with particular emphasis on the segment between the Louvain-la-Neuve junction and the Luxembourg border. This section is crucial for international train traffic between two capitals, both with important EU institutions and economic hubs. The links serves thousands of commuters daily and connects larger cities such as Brussels, Namur, Arlon, and Luxembourg for short and long-distance commuting.
Upgrades such as the regularisation of track spacings, adaptations of engineering structures, and electrification updates aim to increase the reference speed from 130 km/h to 160 km/h, allowing for faster and more frequent trains. Additionally, they facilitate a modal shift towards rail, reducing accident, pollution, and climate change costs.
The most important effect is the positive effect for the consumers. The project has a large benefit for the existing users in the form of time travel gains and can attract new passengers who normally go by car. As the train is much safer than road transport, there is a large positive benefit with respect to the accident costs. The effect on air pollution and climate change is smaller, but still positive. Apart from the investment and operating costs, there is a cost for society: the increased waiting time for cars at level crossings.
Overall, the benefits outweigh the costs of the project.
