Lessening the Environmental Burden with RailRailroads are the most environmentally responsible way to transport ground freight. On average, railroads are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks on a ton-mile basis.
Is bus or train more sustainable?
Mathews points to research showing that trains emit the lowest of CO2 per passenger mile at 177 grams per passenger mile. Buses come in at 299 grams per mile, second-worst only to cars at 371 grams.