13/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 13 January 2009, the European Commission authorised an Austrian scheme to encourage the development of combined transport. Combined transport is the transport of goods using more than one mode of transport. More often than not, it is a combination of road and rail but inland navigation, maritime and air transport may also be used. The Austrian scheme, financed by the state budget, will grant subsidies for the purchase of innovative technologies, systems and equipment as well as for the carrying out of feasibility studies. The maximum aid intensity is 30% in the case of innovative technologies and equipment and 50% in the case of feasibility studies. The scheme, which will receive a budget of €24 million, will be in place until 31 December 2014. (C.D./transl.jl)