Estimating potential reductions in externalities from rail–road substitution in Trans-European freight transport corridors

This paper develops a method for analysing and estimating savings in externalities that could be achieved by substituting truck with rail freight services in a given Trans-European freight transport corridor. The externalities affected include energy consumption, emissions of greenhouse gases, noise, congestion, and traffic incidents/accidents. The European Commission transport policy aims to provide an institutional framework for the medium- to long-term sustainable development of the transport sector. An important aspect of this policy is to stimulating the modal shift from truck to rail freight transport in inland Trans-European corridors.

► Methodology for estimating reduction in “externalities” by rail–road substitution in freight transport corridor(s). ► Application of the methodology using the real-life data. ► Indication of the rather substantive reduction of “externalities” by rail–road substitution in the given case.