Features of social responsibility and sustainable development that can be identified within the need for the improvement of public transport system, with a focus on rail transportation and manufacturers of railway vehicles, are the subject of this specialist postgraduate paper. Although the economic, social and environmental aspects of transport show the comparative advantages of railway transportation, it is still quite neglected in relation to a road transport. This situation is emphasized by non-harmonized and biased technical and regulatory requirements for railway transportation between different countries. A case study has shown a high level of commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development within the manufacturers of rolling stock, from the existence of policies and procedures for the implementation of social responsibility and sustainable development concepts, special organizational units, and to the concrete application of these concepts by tracking the product life cycle. The criteria of sustainability in public procurement can encourage wider implementation of responsible and sustainable business and raise awareness of various stakeholders, because external costs are not currently taken into account in the planning of transport systems and modelling of transport demand and supply. On the other hand, the strategic approach and guidelines of the major train (electric and diesel multiple units) manufacturers could serve as benchmark for other companies including those in Croatia, with respect of domestic market conditions.