Sustainability of Railway Passenger Services

Abstract

This paper presents a review of research and models regarding sustainability of railway passenger services. In order to take into account all relevant aspects in terms of environmental impacts of a railway passenger service, a holistic system perspective is required, that includes a whole life cycle assessment. A life cycle approach is important since comparison of for instance only the exhaust emissions of an electric vehicle with a petrol vehicle is misleading, due to neglecting the emissions of for instance electrical energy production process. Thus, all stages in energy carrier, vehicle and infrastructure life cycles are to be considered. Existing models are analyzed, as well as possible developments, focusing on diesel and electrical traction as the most common traction options in use, and on GHG emissions, especially on CO2, which takes the greatest part in all emissions. Issues and challenges in improving the environmental impact of railway passenger services are addressed. Additionally, several areas are indicated where environmental aspects could be included in future assessment models. The main challenge is answering how the existing partial assessments can be brought together and, together with filling the identified gaps, allow to conduct a comprehensive LCA which will produce real-world emissions estimations. Results of this paper will be used as an input in developing a framework for quantifying and improving overall environmental impacts of a railway passenger service.