Latest updates
8/5/2024 - Survey finds that citizens favour combined transport over bigger and heavier trucks
The European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), alongside fellow associations CER, UIP, UIRR, and UNIFE, echo the findings of a recent survey, which reveals that the majority of European citizens consulted are unaware of the serious impact of introducing "gigaliners" or "megatrucks" on the road network. Respondents were unaware that these mega trucks bring with them a whole plethora of safety concerns and pose a significant risk to existing infrastructure. A vast majority consider the promotion of road-rail combined transport as preferable to reduce road congestion and ensure higher safety standards.
29/4/2024 - Short-term Support Essential on Track Access Charges
Proposed hikes to Track Access Charges (TACs) throughout many European countries have the potential to totally undermine Europe?s modal shift objectives. Planned increases in TACs in Sweden, Germany and Portugal by 40%, 16% and 8% respectively display a broader trend in railway infrastructure charging throughout the European Union. It is not possible for national governments and Infrastructure Managers to talk about modal shift to rail whilst also putting rail freight in an increasingly competitively disadvantaged position with other modes of transportation.
2/4/2024 - Transport sector coalition calls for more EU budget for transport, the best investment plan for Europe
Today, a coalition of more than 40 associations representing all modes of transport are launching a campaign calling for the EU to invest more of its budget in transport. For rail freight, a renewed and expanded Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will be of crucial importance to enable an increase of rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030 and doubled volumes by 2050, two goals set out in the EU?s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.
11/3/2024 - Joint Letter - Concerns expressed to MEPs in view of crucial vote on Weights & Dimensions Directive
Tomorrow, on 12 March, MEPs will vote in plenary session on the proposed amendments on the Weights & Dimensions Directive. A number of associations from the rail sector and beyond have sent a joint letter to MEPs on the major consequences of this text if adopted without further amendments.