Commuter and Regional Train Services Handbook

Mobility is increasing dramatically in urban and suburban areas (54% population lives in urban areas). Comprising more than 80% of total railway passengers and 50% of passenger-kilometres, commuter and regional rail serves as a backbone for local public transport in many countries around the world.

It plays an important role in transport and mobility policies, serving a large proportion of the urban and regional population while presenting an eco-friendly alternative to the use of private vehicles and reducing both pollution and congestion, combining the flexibility of urban transport and the resilience, capacity and efficiency of conventional rail.

Nevertheless, there is much room for improvement in the areas of financing, implementation and operation of CRT (Commuter and Regional Tran Services). Mostly operated under public service obligations and often sharing the infrastructure of conventional rail, this transport segment requires better coordination between the various stakeholders to achieve its true potential.