Improved rail performance is essential to make rail a more attractive transport mode for customers and to encourage modal shift from road to eco-friendly rail, but late information regarding planned disruptions, limited provision of and/or unsuitable diversionary routes and uncoordinated infrastructure works across one or more networks all contribute to a poor quality of rail service. The new framework provides basic consultation and coordination obligations for infrastructure managers aimed at minimising disruptions to rail services.
One of the key components is that infrastructure managers of rail networks should be facilitated by long-term investment commitments from national governments. It is an obligation under existing EU rules for Member States to commit long term public financing for rail, thereby providing a stable framework for infrastructure development. The ERFA hopes that joint efforts by national governments and infrastructure managers to support their rail sector will guarantee the viability of competitive rail transport in Europe.
ERFA highlights, in particular, the following positive changes for capacity restrictions impacting international rail services:
ERFA says that the new rules are a positive step in the right direction and urges infrastructure managers to start working on their effective implementation as soon as they enter into force at the end of the year. Nothing prevents infrastructure managers from going over and beyond the basic framework to support rail’s growth and competitiveness.
The impact of the changes will start to be felt from the 2018 timetable change, but most will kick in for the 2019 timetable change, with the full impact being felt for the 2020 timetable change.
PHOTO: The Rastatt Tunnel collapse disrupted the European rail network for months, causing massive disruption to the continent’s logistics.
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