Transport

Transport and Environment

The transport sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in Austria mainly caused by road passenger and freight transport. These emissions have serious impacts on health and the environment, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Alps. Thus, the social costs of transport (negative externalities) are still too high, and trends do not indicate sustainability.

Measures towards sustainable transport were identified by the Austrian Climate protection strategy (2007), and by the recent National Energy Strategy (2010). However, the objectives set by the Austrian Strategy for Sustainable Development (2002) have not yet been reached.

Over the past few years, transport emissions and CO₂ have decreased due to targeted measures, such as the mandatory use of biofuels, exceeding the goals set by the EU Biofuels Directive resulting in a 1.3 million tonnes reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalents) from 2007 to 2008. Motor vehicle emissions have been reduced by introducing tighter standards for light and heavy-duty vehicles (EU Regulation No 443/2009, No 559/2009). Differentiated purchase tax incentives (eco purchase tax reform) were introduced in 2007/08 to promote clean and fuel efficient cars. Since January 2010, the toll system for trucks on motorways has been based on emission-related fees.

Since 2005, the Austrian action and support programme ’klima:aktiv mobil’ focusing on mobility measures, resulted in a reduction of 350,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The programme supports mobility management, use of alternative vehicles and renewable energy, as well as integrated multimodal mobility, eco-driving, cycling, and on-demand public transport solutions.

Clean and energy-efficient transport technologies, especially those based on electricity and renewable energy sources, are promoted by research and development programmes, such as the Climate and Energy Fund or the programme ‘A3plus - Alternative Propulsion Systems and Fuels’ .

Despite measures taken, more efforts are necessary. European emission standards need to be tightened further and environmentally friendly modes such as public transport and cycling promoted more forcefully. European railways and inland waterways, in Austria notably the untapped potentials of the Danube, could complement this but will need support. To achieve that this decisive area is shaped in line with sustainable development requires environmental concerns to be fully integrated into an overall transport policy together with economic and social goals.

Greenhouse gas balance 2008

The data for the following graphs (chart 1-4) are based on figures for sold fuels and thus include fuel export. Emissions produced by fuel export (passenger cars and heavy duty vehicles) are displayed separately. Due to the difference in prices of fuels between Austria and abroad this affects the data, especially those since 2001. Negative figures for fuel export - between 1992 and 2001 in the passenger transport sector - mean that fuel has been purchased abroad because of more attractive prices in neighbouring countries in these years (fuel import).