EU Taxonomy Guide

Sector 6H49-H5213 activities

Transport

Low-emission mobility solutions covering road, rail, water, and urban transport infrastructure.

Climate Change Mitigation Climate Change Adaptation

Transport accounts for approximately a quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority sector for Taxonomy alignment. The 13 activities span passenger and freight transport across road, rail, inland waterway, and sea transport, as well as supporting infrastructure.

Zero-emission vehicles, rail electrification, cycling infrastructure, and public transport systems are central to this sector. The Taxonomy sets direct emission thresholds -- for example, passenger cars must produce zero direct CO2 emissions, while heavy-duty vehicles must meet progressively tighter limits. Infrastructure activities such as construction of rail networks, low-carbon airports, and port facilities are also included.

Adaptation criteria reflect the vulnerability of transport networks to extreme weather. Rail buckling from heat, road surface degradation, flooding of tunnels and underpasses, and storm damage to port facilities all require systematic risk assessment. Operators must demonstrate that transport infrastructure is designed or retrofitted to withstand projected climate impacts across its expected lifetime.

Economic Activities

Passenger Interurban Rail Transport

Operation of interurban passenger rail services that contribute to climate change mitigation through zero direct tailpipe CO2 emissions or low-carbon rolling stock.

Sea and Coastal Freight Water Transport

Operation of sea and coastal freight vessels with zero direct emissions or emissions well below IMO reference levels, supporting maritime decarbonisation.

Sea and Coastal Passenger Water Transport

Operation of zero-emission or highly efficient sea and coastal passenger vessels including ferries and cruise ships meeting strict CO2 thresholds.

Retrofitting of Sea and Coastal Freight and Passenger Water Transport

Retrofitting existing sea and coastal vessels with cleaner propulsion, energy efficiency measures or alternative fuel systems to substantially reduce emissions.

Infrastructure for Personal Mobility, Cycle Logistics

Construction, modernisation and operation of infrastructure dedicated to walking, cycling and personal mobility devices, enabling zero-emission urban transport.

H42.11, H42.12, H43.21

Freight Rail Transport

Operation of freight transport by rail with zero direct tailpipe CO2 emissions or efficient dual-mode locomotives meeting stringent emission thresholds.

Urban and Suburban Transport, Road Passenger Transport

Operation of urban and suburban public transport systems including metro, tram, trolleybus, bus and road passenger services with zero direct emissions.

Operation of Personal Mobility Devices, Cycle Logistics

Sale, rental, leasing and operation of personal mobility devices and cargo bicycles for zero-emission last-mile transport and cycle logistics.

Transport by Motorbikes, Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles

Purchase, leasing and operation of zero-emission passenger cars, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles contributing to decarbonised road transport.

Freight Transport Services by Road

Operation of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and vans for road freight, supporting the shift to decarbonised logistics supply chains.

Inland Passenger Water Transport

Operation of zero direct emission or hybrid inland waterway passenger vessels on rivers, canals and lakes for urban and intercity mobility.

Inland Freight Water Transport

Operation of zero-emission or low-emission inland waterway freight vessels on rivers and canals, supporting modal shift from road haulage.

Retrofitting of Inland Waterway Passenger and Freight Transport

Retrofitting existing inland waterway vessels with zero-emission or substantially lower-emission propulsion systems to extend fleet life while cutting emissions.