An interview with Hrvoje Spremić, INTER-PASS project manager
In this regard, we have asked Hrvoje Spremić, project manager of INTER-PASS and internal auditor at the airport of Dubrovnik, to explain us challenges and possible solutions to improve intermodal mobility and the opportunities offered by INTER-PASS.
INTER-PASS looks at finding solutions to one of the main challenge for mobility: the connection between airport and port for passengers. In your opinion, what is the added value of having an efficient connection between the two hubs?
An improvement of the connections between ports and airports in the Adriatic-Ionian Region will produce numerous benefits that will be visible in short time: reduction of travel and waiting times, reduction of costs, improved quality of services, enhanced level of attractiveness, reduction in energy consumption, pollutant emissions and congestion level on the roads that connect airports and ports. The project is expected to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the Adriatic Ionian Basin. Project activities and outputs will contribute to a higher transnational coordination among countries in the development and implementation of integrated passenger transport systems and intermodality, reducing existing disparities and creating the opportunity to implement smart solutions in the field of tourists’ transport. INTER-PASS is expected to contribute to the improvement of regional tourists’ transport system, thus promoting also the overall economic development of the Region
Which type of solutions did you develop in order to improve the mobility between the involved ports and airports?
The partnership has performed researches and inquiries on existing solutions for integration between ports and airports transportation systems at international level. The study has identified a set of possible innovative schemes that could be adopted in Adriatic-Ionian region resulted in 4 Action Plans dealing with:
- Reduction of processing time for passenger baggage handling of home-port operation which will minimize the possibility of delays. This has been implemented through a new automated system which has improved faster processing of passenger luggage in Dubrovnik home port operation.
- Better processing of passengers though an innovative platform which will help the passengers to choose appropriate means of transportation, this is the case of Corfu Port which needs to better connect with other destination of the Corfu Islands.
- Integration of Port of Pula and Pula Airports in public transportation system in order to provide smart connections with city centre and islands.
- Integrated timetabling and innovative info mobility systems between Port of Bari and Airports of Apulia to inform passengers on time of departures of ships and flights, how to reach terminals, provided services etc. Elaboration of new Port Community System to administrate ticketing, boarding and departing phases which will be extended to other ports managed by the Southern Adriatic Sea Port Authority.
Tell us more about the case of Dubrovnik…
The connection between Dubrovnik Airport and Port suffers from the presence of only one main road linking the two hubs. This road has been built in 60s and was suitable for limited traffic and number of vehicles in the past. However, as Dubrovnik is growing rapidly as a tourism destination, traffic jams happen frequently. Thanks to INTER-PASS, Dubrovnik Airport has performed an upgrade of automated baggage screening system, purchased and installed additional security equipment in order to fasten up processing time and enhance level of security.
On the other hand, Dubrovnik port has implemented several measures to increase the level of satisfaction of the cruise and other port passengers mainly by implementing Information Display System in its designated area informing passengers in real time about flight schedules at Dubrovnik Airport and other useful information.
According to a survey performed by Dubrovnik Port right after the new mesaures implemented by the project, passenger’s satisfaction raised from level 4 to level 7. In order to promote the solutions implemented through the project, Dubrovnik Port and Dubrovnik Airport have organised site visits with a wide range of participants, from local municipalities, rent-a-car agencies, travel agencies, university, industry experts, media representatives and other interested stakeholders.
