# Modal shift policy

*Last updated: 2026-06-19*

> Modal shift policy enters the picture when governments and regulators actively seek to redirect freight and passenger flows from road to rail, inland waterways, or short-sea shipping.

Modal shift policy enters the picture when governments and regulators actively seek to redirect freight and passenger flows from road to rail, inland waterways, or short-sea shipping. The driving objectives are lower CO₂ emissions, reduced road congestion, and diminished noise pollution—all central to EU climate commitments. Policy instruments include pricing mechanisms such as road user charges and carbon pricing, targeted investment in rail and port infrastructure, and subsidies for intermodal services. For forwarders and shippers, an active modal shift policy translates into practical adjustments: supply chains must be redesigned around combined transport, inland terminals integrated, and transit times re-evaluated. This differs from a one-off customer decision to switch modes—modal shift policy aims at structural, economy-wide rebalancing of the transport mix.

**Source:** [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkehrsverlagerung](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkehrsverlagerung)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Modal shift policy |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 120 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-19 |
| Source | https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkehrsverlagerung |

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