White paper highlights breakdowns in passenger journeys

SITA has called for greater collaboration across the transport sector to address inefficiencies in intermodal travel, according to its white paper Navigating the Seams of Seamless Travel.

The paper states that while travel networks continue to expand across air, rail, maritime and urban transport, passenger journeys frequently break down at transfer points between different modes of transport. At these points, information is often lost between operators, accountability becomes unclear, and passengers are left to manage missed connections and conflicting requirements independently.

Data sharing identified as key enabler

SITA emphasises that improved collaboration through shared data and coordinated action offers a practical way to reduce passenger stress, improve operational efficiency and protect revenue.

The report highlights that fragmented systems and limited data sharing create operational blind spots, particularly when disruptions occur. These gaps can lead to cascading delays and reduced service reliability across the travel network.

Focus on coordination rather than new infrastructure

According to the paper, progress in intermodal travel does not require new infrastructure or standalone platforms, but rather better integration of existing systems.

By providing operators with shared visibility of passenger flows and enabling coordinated responses to disruption, passengers can be offered a more consistent and reliable travel experience.

Managing disruption through coordinated response

The paper outlines the need for a structured approach to disruption management, where passengers are given clear, real-time options when connections are affected.

These options may include continuing their journey as planned, accepting automatic rebooking, or switching transport modes, with responsibilities between operators defined in advance.

Operational example demonstrates practical application

SITA references the Athens TravelWise initiative as an example of coordinated intermodal operations. The platform integrates data from multiple sources, including flights, rail, maritime services, weather and local events, providing a shared operational view for stakeholders.

This approach enables faster response to disruption and clearer communication with passengers when connections are at risk.

Staged implementation recommended

The white paper recommends a phased approach to implementation, focusing initially on high-traffic corridors and major transport networks.

Stakeholders are encouraged to identify specific breakdown points in the passenger journey and apply coordinated data-sharing solutions to improve operational performance and passenger confidence.