Facilitating sustainable development in the transport sector

Our rail network takes cars off the road and B-doubles off our highways. Greater use of rail reduces emissions through its intrinsic sustainability advantages and is a crucial part of our sustainable net zero future.

Passenger services to support a healthier community

Rail patronage on Australia’s passenger services is expected to grow two per cent per year, taking 12 million car journeys off the road from 2018-2026. Rail passenger travel generates 30 per cent less carbon emissions than road travel, supporting healthier communities in our cities and towns. In fact, each train of commuters reduces air pollution costs by $26,000 per year.

Taking trucks off our highways and commuter roads

Rail freight produces 16 times less carbon pollution than road freight for every tonne kilometre travelled. In fact, despite moving 57 per cent of national freight and four per cent of passenger movements, the national rail network accounts for just four per cent of the transport sector’s emission. This is compared to road transport, which is responsible for 86 per cent of transport emissions, with air (7%) and sea (2%) transport accounting for the remainder. As demand increases, it becomes more important to get more freight on rail, just a one per cent shift of freight from road to rail in Australia would reduce accident, emissions, and health costs by $71.9 million per year.

On track to Net-Zero

Rail has always played an important role in enhancing the social and environmental outcomes of land transport in Australia. The industry remains committed to spearheading the transition towards a net-zero future by reducing its comparatively small emissions profile through ambitious decarbonisation efforts.

Key contacts

General Manager - Sustainability