Rail Way - Based Mass Transportation and Sustainable Mobility: A Global Review of System Performance and Policy Strategies

Railway-based mass transportation has become a critical component of sustainable mobility strategies worldwide. Rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns have encouraged policymakers to reconsider the strategic role of railway systems in modern transportation networks. This study presents a comprehensive review of the literature on railway transportation and its contribution to sustainable mobility. Using a systematic literature review approach, this research synthesizes findings from international transport studies and policy reports to identify key determinants influencing railway system performance. The analysis highlights several critical factors including infrastructure investment, service reliability, multimodal integration, accessibility, land-use coordination, and technological innovation. The findings suggest that successful railway systems are characterized by strong institutional coordination, integrated transport planning, and high-quality passenger services. In addition, digital mobility technologies such as integrated ticketing systems and mobility platforms are increasingly transforming railway operations and improving passenger experience. The study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable transportation by proposing a conceptual framework that explains how railway systems support efficient and environmentally sustainable mobility. The results highlight that railway-based mass transportation remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing congestion, improving accessibility, and supporting sustainable urban mobility systems.