Transport plays a vital role in society and the economy and our quality of life depends on an efficient and affordable transport system. At the same time, transport is a major source of environmental pressure in the European Union (EU) and contributes to climate change, air pollution and noise.
Rail transport is an environment friendly means of travel compared to air and car because it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions (1% of total transport-related greenhouse gas emissions). Reducing the negative effects of transport is an important objective of EU policies.
The main lines of action are to reorient transport towards the most efficient and least polluting means, to introduce more sustainable transport technologies, fuels and infrastructure, and to ensure that transport prices fully reflect adverse environmental and health impacts.