The Degree of Sustainable Development of Public Transport in Major Polish Cities

The paper was written in an attempt to compare the degree of sustainability of public transport development in selected Polish cities. Sustainable development of public transport is a goal of almost every city in Poland provided for in the strategy documents. Local authorities take efforts to make public transport more attractive and competitive as well as to improve urban facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. At the same time the motorization rate in Poland is known to be growing very fast, traffic congestion is becoming more common and many Polish cities are undergoing rapid development with increasing urban sprawl. This raises some doubts concerning the effectiveness of local authorities. A comparative analysis of the degree of sustainability of public transport development in Polish cities can provide guidelines for further action plans in this area. Various authors try to compile a list of indicators measuring the degree of transport sustainability. In Poland, such measurement is relatively complex primarily due to a varied approach. Also the existing statistical database in our country hinders the process. In view of the above, the analysis will be based on selected indicators that were available, useful and intelligible.