Closing Gaps in the Passenger Transport Policy Framework

Numerous gaps and overlaps characterise the policy frameworks on emissions from passenger transport in Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania. This makes them ineffective and inefficient. The frameworks fail to adequately address the environmental and health-related costs of carbon-intensive modes of transport. Thus, they are not able to promote solutions that could contribute to cutting emissions and improving citizens’ quality of life. Furthermore, the frameworks do not adequately include other sectors such as urban planning, digitalisation or employment.

To achieve its goal, the project first conducted a comprehensive transport policy mapping for each of the selected countries using a Transport Emissions Disaggregation Tool (TEDi Tool). This allowed to quantify the impact of different drivers on emissions and to identify which measures contribute to emissions reductions while increasing low-carbon mobility options. On the basis of this assessment, the project provided recommendations on improving the policy frameworks. In doing so, it also relied on best practice examples from other countries, regions, and cities and adapted them to local circumstances. Furthermore, the project identified interlinkages with other policy areas, using inter-sectoral cooperation to support the transformation towards a net-zero passenger transport. Policy measures have to ensure participation of all stakeholders if they are to be accepted and considered relevant by society – therefore, the project made sure to involve local decision makers, mobility providers as well as representatives of civil society, academia, and industry into each step of the project.

• Positive impact on mobility policy: The project steered the political debate towards rail transport as a climate-friendly mobility solution. It supported the implementation of the European Union's Rail Action Plan and connected decision-makers. It thus contributed to important EU initiatives such as the Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) Directive for rail tickets. It also supported non-CO₂ monitoring, which is intended to increase airfares and thus make competition between modes of transport fairer. This creates a solid basis for shifting traffic from greenhouse gas-intensive aviation and road transport to energy-efficient rail, which directly reduces emissions. 
• Lower costs, more attractive rail: The project achieved noticeable improvements for rail passengers in Poland. Action by NGOs, including the Civil Affairs Institute, and rail operators prevented the planned increase in infrastructure charges for passengers. Instead, a 50 per cent reduction in track access charges was introduced, which will benefit passengers through lower ticket prices. The Civil Affairs Institute coordinated a joint position with other civil society actors and the government. It underpinned this with well-researched tariff comparisons in Central and Eastern Europe.  
• More funding for climate-friendly rail infrastructure: The project advocated for increased funding for rail transport at the European level. In a statement on the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment (FENiKS), it emphasised the need for additional funds to redirect investment from road to rail transport, thereby supporting the achievement of European climate targets. Press releases on this topic, which were picked up by media outlets with a wide reach, increased public awareness. Shortly after these publications appeared, the Polish Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy increased the financial resources available for clean air, rail transport and biodiversity programmes.