Analysis and operations of passenger rail transport in Poland and selected EU states

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse and compare number of characteristics of passenger rail transport in Poland and selected European Union Member States in the period 2010-2018. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was performed on the basis of an analysis of statistic data and key performance indicators used in the field, number of passengers, performance (transport activity), train operations, density of railway lines, average number of journeys per one passenger, rail utilisation rate, rail transport demand rate, and passenger rail transport operations rate. Findings: In the years 2010-2018, Polish railway operators transported, on average, 270 million passengers per year, which is close to the figures reported in Austria and Sweden, but much lower than in Germany, France, or Italy. In the year 2018, performance (transport activity) was significantly lower than in the leading EU states (Germany, France, Italy).The utilisation of the available population potential and density of railway lines in passenger rail transport is much higher in most of the analysed EU states than it is in Poland. Practical Implications: The conducted studies demonstrate that passenger rail transport is dynamically developing both in Poland and in other European Union Member States. Given the fact that the market is an important alternative to road transport, powerful demand and supply potential create a compelling case for investment in safety, reliability, travelling comfort and service quality. Originality/Value: This study discusses some timely and important issues associated with passenger rail transport development. The comparative analysis of passenger rail transport market potential in Poland and selected countries demonstrates that there are high reserve capacities in the field.