nonrail

Nonrail is a term used in transportation planning and policy to describe systems, facilities, and services that do not involve railway infrastructure or rail-based modes. It is typically used to distinguish non-rail networks from rail networks, including passenger and freight trains, trams, and light rail. Because the exact scope of nonrail varies by region and agency, it is not a single formal category.

Nonrail encompasses road transport (cars, buses, trucks), air transport (airports, airlines), maritime transport (ships, ferries, ports), and other non-rail networks such as pipelines and some forms of cable transit. It also covers non-rail forms of mass transit, such as bus rapid transit and certain ferry systems, when they are not rail-based. Intermodal terminals commonly link nonrail and rail modes to support multimodal travel and freight.

Policy relevance: Nonrail systems are central to mobility and logistics. Planning decisions about highways, road networks, airports, and ports affect accessibility, congestion, travel time, and freight bottlenecks. In contrast to rail, nonrail transport can offer greater flexibility and point-to-point service but often at higher energy intensity per passenger-kilometer, depending on technology and operation. Electrification and alternative fuels are changing some nonrail segments, particularly buses and trucks.

Challenges and measurement: Because nonrail covers diverse modes, it poses challenges for consistent data collection and performance metrics. Environmental impacts, safety, and land-use effects are common policy considerations, alongside funding, maintenance, and coordination with rail networks for seamless travel.