railwaydriven

Railwaydriven is a term used to describe a planning and policy approach in which railway infrastructure and services are the primary driver of transportation planning and regional development. In a railwaydriven framework, investments in rail are prioritized to shape land use, economic activity, and urban form, with the aim of increasing rail's share of passenger and freight transport, reducing emissions, and improving mobility.

Key features typically associated with railwaydriven planning include prioritizing high-capacity rail corridors for both long-distance and commuter services, accelerating electrification and modern signaling, pursuing interoperability and standards across regions, and coordinating timetable and network design to maximize rail reliability and throughput. It also involves integrating rail planning with land-use policies and transit-oriented development around stations, as well as aligning freight logistics with rail freight corridors and intermodal terminals.

The term is used primarily in contemporary policy discussions and planning discourse rather than as a formal doctrine. It describes a philosophy rather than a fixed set of rules, and may be applied at national, regional, or city scales. Proponents argue that a railwaydriven approach can produce long-term economic benefits, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and more resilient mobility systems, while critics note high capital costs, long lead times, potential displacement, and the need to balance rail expansion with road and bus networks.

See also: rail transport planning, transit-oriented development, modal shift.