Modal Shift to Rail Transport as a Mitigation Measure to Decarbonize the Transport Sector: Review of Barriers and Opportunities

Rail transport is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. The latest EU statistics estimate that the railway contributes 0.4% to the greenhouse emissions of all modes of transport. The decarbonisation of transport systems stands as one of the European Union’s key environmental objectives. Promoting a shift of passengers to rail is crucial for achieving climate targets, as rail travel generates substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to road and air travel. This study investigates the potential of transitioning from road and air transport to rail transport as a strategy for mitigating climate change within the transport sector. To achieve this goal, an analysis and comparison of existing strategies are presented. A specific methodological framework was employed to retrieve and review scientific publications from the Scopus database as well as gray literature. The selection process was guided by rigorous screening and validation criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the included studies. This study encompasses both freight and passenger transport, considering short- to long-distance trips. The opportunities of such mobility strategies to attract railway transport and reduce GHG emissions are identified, and their impacts are further analysed. Finally, the main opportunities and barriers are addressed. Rail transport can play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals by reducing energy use and emissions within the transport sector.