MAke RAil The HOpe for protecting Nature (MARATHON) shows the effectiveness of operating faster, longer and heavier freight trains on selected European routes, driving the rail freight service modernization. The European manufacturing and logistics industry will be able to attain substantial service and costs benefits from this innovative business approach.
MARATHON investigates the integration of rolling stock technologies combined with innovative operating patterns in order to provide freight services based on longer heavier and faster trains. This major step change is achieved by coupling together at specific locations trains or wagons into one train. From there the single train, optimizing infrastructure capacity and personnel, runs over main routes reducing costs and improving service performance.