Effects of Suspension and Reactivation of Passenger Traffic on Railway Lines in Pomeranian Voivodeship
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to verify the course of the process of eliminating passenger traffic on the railway lines of Central Pomerania, and to analyze the effects of suspending traffic. The study includes the definition of indicators describing the importance of individual railway lines in passenger traffic. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted for railway lines located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, examining passenger train service. The analyzed lines were divided into three groups: lines on which passenger train service was suspended before 1989, lines on which service was suspended after the economic transformation in 1989, and lines on which passenger service was reactivated after suspension. During the study, indicators were determined to demonstrate the importance of railway lines in passenger traffic. The first indicator allows us to determine which line provides access to rail transport for the greatest number of residents, and therefore its importance in regional traffic. The second indicator determines whether a given railway line provides connections between large cities, which are centers of trade and services, and is therefore associated with long-distance and transit traffic. Findings: The conducted research allowed for the verification of the course of the liquidation of passenger traffic on the railway lines of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, its effects and the subsequent reactivation of passenger transport on some routes. Currently, passenger train traffic in the Pomeranian Voivodeship has been reactivated mainly on routes located near the Tri-City, while other areas have been omitted. Based on the defined indicators, it can be concluded that ensuring connections between major cities was crucial in selecting railway lines for the revitalization and reactivation of transport in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. However, ensuring access to rail transport for residents of towns located near railway lines was of lesser importance. Practical Implications: The two indicators presented in this study allow for a quick assessment of the suitability of individual railway lines for passenger traffic. They allow for the consideration of an analyzed line's importance for both regional and transit traffic. These indicators may be helpful in the future when selecting additional lines for reactivation or modernization. Their usefulness is not limited to the Pomeranian Voivodeship. In the future, these indicators can be used to verify and compare railway lines before making investment decisions in other regions as well. Originality/Value: The originality of this research stems from the use of new, practical indicators proposed to determine the suitability of railway lines for passenger transport. These indicators, considering both local and long-distance traffic, can provide a basis for future selection of closed railway lines for reactivation.