EU rail passenger transport: an important determinant of sustainable development

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has become the global blueprint for sustainable development. Sustainable development is supposed to change functioning of societies and economies in order to minimize negative ecological effects, at the same time providing for the needs of present and future generations. Due to its functions, transport is indispensable for meeting these needs, but it also generates demand for energy resources and has a negative impact on the environment. Appropriate shaping of transport systems is, therefore, an important element of the transformation of economies towards sustainable development and thus a key task for government policy. Rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers. The aim of this article is to assess the development of rail passenger transport in European Union countries on the basis of statistical data in the context of the need to transform mobility systems in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The analysis of the data shows that the development of rail transport is low compared to road and air transport, which raises questions about the reasons for this fact and the further measures needed.