Dutch masterplan for rail freight should be kept on track
The measures proposed by the Dutch government to enhance rail freight volumes and create a level playing field with Germany have been discussed in Parliament yesterday. The sector handed in a petition two days earlier,...Read more
Rastatt one-year anniversary: where are we now?
It is exactly one year ago that the disrupted railway line at Rastatt was reopened for train traffic. The three lobby organisations ERFA, NEE and UIRR take the opportunity to highlight the lessons learnt so...Read more
‘Rail transport is still a passive profit-taker’
Sebastian Jürgens, manager of the port of Lübeck since 2014, explained what he believes must be done to realise a modal shift. He is an expert in goods transport by rail. Previously, he led intermodal...Read more
‘Electronic freight document should not be the new ERTMS’
When implementing legislation with the aim of enhancing the use of electronic freight documents in the European Union, this should be completely harmonised. If implementation is only partially harmonised, we will see fragmented and costly...Read more
Rail freight operators not happy with Dutch new track access charges
Rail freight operators are not happy with the recently approved new calculation method of track access charges in the Netherlands. This calculation method includes new mark-ups, that will especially affect the heavy train operators. The Dutch...Read more
Before modal shift, mental shift needed in rail
The environmental arguments for rail as a transport mode are not enough to push for a modal shift. The positive impact of rail is 25 per cent more than road, and rail creates more jobs...Read more
CER calls for extra 10 billion to fund digitalisation in railways
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has called for an additional 10 billion Euros in the new CEF transport budget to support the digital transformation of rail. Without this support, the deployment...Read more
Ground work laid for longer trains and next generation bogies in EU
TheShift2Rail project Dynafreight has resulted in the groundwork for regular operations of long freight trains up to 1,500 metres in Europe. Moreover, it paved the way for the creation of the next generation of bogies...Read more
Rail freight sector not ready for 4th Railway Package
When asked whether people were aware of the changes that will be introduced from June 2019 with the implementation of the 4th Railway Package, half of the respondents answered negatively. The survey was carried out...Read more
German companies funded for energy saving investments
Germany will receive EU funding for a scheme to support railway companies that invest in energy efficiency technologies. Companies providing electrically powered rail transport services may be compensated for up to 50 per cent of...Read more
European Parliament votes on Combined Transport Directive
The Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) of the European Parliament has adopted the amendment of the Combined Transport Directive. Specifications regarding the road leg, as well as other points have been altered. The EU legislation...Read more
New Mexican government adopts railway projects
The new president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has agreed to go ahead with six railway projects that were on the agenda for his term. Three of these projects are dedicated to rail freight....Read more
Alternative language requirements train drivers proposed
The European Commission (EC) has proposed pilot projects to test alternative means of ensuring effective communication during railway operations. In case of a diversion eligible train drivers may not be present, resulting in the cancellation...Read more