Assessment of the Problematic Aspects of the Interaction of Freight and Rail Transport in Lithuania

Abstract

With the rapid development of globalization processes and international cooperation, goods transport routes are getting longer, and this requires new solutions to make the most efficient use of different modes of transport. This article presents a theoretical assessment of the intermodality between rail and maritime transport. It is emphasized that rail and maritime transport should play a key role in the freight transport chain, and road transport should only start or finish that role. On this basis, interoperability between different modes of transport and supply chain efficiency could be ensured. The article identifies the main problem areas in organizing freight transport in the context of railway and maritime transport synergy. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is necessary to invest in the development of the port infrastructure and suprastructure. It would also be necessary to liberalize the Lithuanian rail market and provide financial support to companies expanding the rail-sea interface, thus creating opportunities for companies wishing to carry out freight transport through the interaction in question. According to respondents, the state should pay attention to the road transport and the introduction of greater pollution and road usage fees, as road transport emits the most polluting gases and destroy the city and urban infrastructure.