SCBA train stations in Ottignies and Mechelen
22080
From 2022 to 2023
TML conducted social cost-benefit analyses for the renewal and capacity expansion of the Mechelen and Ottignies train stations, which no longer meet contemporary transport needs and European standards. The analyses valued all costs and benefits of the investment projects and show that both projects offer significant social added value, with benefits such as improved punctuality, accessibility, and reduced emissions.
Mechelen and Ottignies' train stations no longer meet today's transportation needs. Moreover, the current infrastructure does not conform to European standards. This is why SNCB and Infrabel are planning a complete renovation and capacity expansion of both stations. This investment will increase capacity, improve punctuality, and make the stations more accessible. The renewals are also eligible for European funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program. This is a European funding program for projects of common interest for efficient, interconnected, and multimodal networks and infrastructure for smart, interoperable, sustainable, inclusive, accessible, safe, and secure mobility.
A requirement for these investments by CEF is that a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) be conducted. An SCBA values and updates all current and future costs and benefits associated with an investment project. This includes not only the costs and benefits to the users of the investment, but also the impact on the wider environment (e.g., emissions and noise). TML prepared an SCBA for each station in order to demonstrate the economic and social added value of the projects, in accordance with CINEA (European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) guidelines.
The SCBA for the renewal of the Ottignies station shows that this project has a high social added value. The benefits of the project consist mainly of a consumer surplus. For example, train passengers using Ottignies station will be able to enjoy the improved punctuality of the train. In addition, the cost of waiting will be reduced through improved accessibility to the station and platforms and increased comfort. The improved punctuality of the trains also attracts new passengers, albeit to a limited extent.
For the Mechelen station, the SCBA also results in a positive social value. Consumer surplus is again the most important benefit of the project. The improved accessibility of the station and platforms and increased comfort reduces the cost for rail passengers. The project also modestly improves traffic safety and reduces greenhouse gas emissions thanks to a modal shift from cars to rail.
The Ottignies SCBA was used by TUC RAIL (Infrabel) and SNCB to complete an application file for CEF. For the Mechelen SCBA, SNCB was the sole client.
Mechelen and Ottignies' train stations no longer meet today's transportation needs. Moreover, the current infrastructure does not conform to European standards. This is why SNCB and Infrabel are planning a complete renovation and capacity expansion of both stations. This investment will increase capacity, improve punctuality, and make the stations more accessible. The renewals are also eligible for European funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program. This is a European funding program for projects of common interest for efficient, interconnected, and multimodal networks and infrastructure for smart, interoperable, sustainable, inclusive, accessible, safe, and secure mobility.
A requirement for these investments by CEF is that a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) be conducted. An SCBA values and updates all current and future costs and benefits associated with an investment project. This includes not only the costs and benefits to the users of the investment, but also the impact on the wider environment (e.g., emissions and noise). TML prepared an SCBA for each station in order to demonstrate the economic and social added value of the projects, in accordance with CINEA (European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) guidelines.
The SCBA for the renewal of the Ottignies station shows that this project has a high social added value. The benefits of the project consist mainly of a consumer surplus. For example, train passengers using Ottignies station will be able to enjoy the improved punctuality of the train. In addition, the cost of waiting will be reduced through improved accessibility to the station and platforms and increased comfort. The improved punctuality of the trains also attracts new passengers, albeit to a limited extent.
For the Mechelen station, the SCBA also results in a positive social value. Consumer surplus is again the most important benefit of the project. The improved accessibility of the station and platforms and increased comfort reduces the cost for rail passengers. The project also modestly improves traffic safety and reduces greenhouse gas emissions thanks to a modal shift from cars to rail.
The Ottignies SCBA was used by TUC RAIL (Infrabel) and SNCB to complete an application file for CEF. For the Mechelen SCBA, SNCB was the sole client.
