Infrastructure projects and transport exclusion - case study of the Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of the Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna infrastructure project from the perspective of transport exclusion of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area residents. The reason for undertaking the topic is the importance of this project for many different groups of stakeholders and the possibility of analysing some of the already visible effects of its implementation. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical part describes the phenomenon of transport exclusion as well as the specifics and importance of infrastructure and infrastructure projects. The research part is based on a case study: an analysis and evaluation of selected effects of the presented project. The subject matter covers a regional transport investment - the Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna. The study used statistical data analysis and the descriptive method. Findings: The analysis of selected parameters concerning various aspects of the infrastructure project’s effects showed that the Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna improves the residents’ quality of life by reducing the phenomenon of transport exclusion. Increased transport accessibility affects both residents of the region’s capital city and other towns in the analysed area. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the study is that the project is still in the implementation phase. As a result, not all of its effects are discernible and quantifiable. Therefore, the study takes into account only selected elements describing the effects of the Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna, mainly in the context of the problem of transport exclusion. Practical implications: The findings of the study may be used by the entities responsible for the implementation of public investments as an argument for choosing transport projects as a tool to improve the quality of life in the region. Originality/value: The value of the study is to indicate that the benefits of infrastructure investments are linked not only to measurable: financial and material results, but also to other aspects relating to the quality of life of the society and reducing the problem of transport exclusion. The paper raises the issue of benefits for the local community, providing arguments for decision makers responsible for spending public funds earmarked for regional development.