Planning priorities for Rail Baltica regional stations: a comparative analysis of passenger and expert perspectives on comfort and amenities

Abstract

Rail Baltica is a key sustainable transport project in the Baltic region. Its success depends on how effectively regional stations function and how well they are integrated into their surroundings. This study analyzes planning priorities for Rail Baltica regional stations based on survey results from both passengers and experts. Researchers sought to identify essential features of regional stations through two separate surveys. The surveys covered four interrelated groups of station elements: core station building features, access and parking infrastructure, additional comfort elements, and digital and service-related solutions. The passenger survey indicated that comfort, accessibility, public transport integration, and safety are essential criteria. Passengers emphasized the need for public transport stops located close to stations, security measures, and easy-to-use payment options. In contrast, experts focused on long-term sustainability, opportunities for area development, different transport options, and reducing environmental impact. This included safe pedestrian crossings and digital information systems. The analysis highlighted both shared and differing priorities between passengers and experts, revealing potential planning conflicts and areas where compromise may be necessary. For instance, both groups agreed that public transport integration is a top priority. However, they differed in their views on digital solutions and certain infrastructure features, such as pedestrian overpasses and mobile applications. Importantly, the study does not treat lower-ranked items as unimportant. Instead, it proposes a priority framework to guide the phased development of regional stations, largely determined by plot size and the spatial arrangement of objects within the site. This strategy allows essential passengerfocused solutions to be implemented first, while other important features can be added over time as resources become available. The findings can inform the planning of Rail Baltica regional stations. The goal is to help balance user needs with the principles of sustainable and flexible infrastructure development.