E. S. Sokolova. Assessing the Effectiveness of the Russian Transport System: Analysis of Dynamics and Development Prospects

Abstract

Introduction. The efficiency of the Russian transport sector, characterized by its vast territory and advantageous geographic location between Asia and Europe, is determined by the state of its infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of the Russian transport sector and formulate measures to improve the state of its transport infrastructure.

Materials and Methods. The study focused on Russia's transportation system, broken down by mode (road, rail, and air). The database consisted of Rosstat data for 2000–2023. The analysis of Russia's transportation system development dynamics was conducted using the index method with standardization based on the Mazziotta–Pareto index. A transport system efficiency index, developed based on standardized indicators, was applied.

Results. Overall, the Russian transport system meets domestic demand for transportation services. Exports of such services are limited not so much by the length of routes and the resulting high cost of transportation, but by the inefficiency of the system itself. Railroads remain the most efficient, while road and air transport are subject to sanctions and risks. The need for a new financing system for the development of Russia's transport system, based on the allocation of surplus revenues and their investment in transport development, is justified. It is proven that the potential efficiency of the Russian transport system is not being fully utilized.

Discussion and Conclusion. The novelty of the obtained results lies in the author's proposed approach to assessing the effectiveness of existing infrastructure and measures for its development, the implementation of which could lead to increased competitiveness of Russian transport services in the global market. Of interest to government agencies is the proposal to stimulate investment in transport infrastructure through the allocation of oil and gas revenues.

Keywords: transport services, infrastructure, Russia, problems, global market

Conflict of interest. The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Sokolova E.S. Assessing the Effectiveness of the Russian Transport System: Analysis of Dynamics and Development Prospects. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2025;33(4):697–714 https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.129.033.202504.697-714

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About the author:

Elizaveta S. Sokolova, Dr.Sci. (Econ.), Professor, Head of the Chair of World Economy and World Finance, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (49/2 Leningradskii Prospekt, Moscow 125167, Russian Federation), ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4237-548X, Scopus ID: 57207988644, SPIN-code: 6985-7310, sokolovaes65@mail.ru

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the author on reasonable request.

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 17.10.2024; revised 12.05.2025; accepted 19.05.2025.