Ahead of the Transport Working Party on the opening of the domestic passenger market ERFA urges EU Member States to harness the benefits of competition in order to drive up the quality of rail services. Shielding rail services from any kind of competitive pressure does not help the sector generate growth or attract investment.

Together with CER and UIRR, ERFA published a joint statement regarding rail intermodal in the US and highlighting the lessons that can be learnt for Europe.

At its Annual Event held in Brussels on 24th March the association of newcomers on the rail market discussed how to attract investment, growth and innovation in the European rail sector.

ERFA supports efforts to reduce rail noise, but not at the expense of jeopardising the competitiveness of the rail sector.

The independent rail operators, represented by ERFA and the rail freight customers, represented by CLECAT and ESC urge EU decision-makers to give their strong support to more cooperation and customer-orientation on the railways.

ERFA draws attention to two recent court wins by independent operators, which underline the vested interest that continues to block new services and growth on the railways.  

Failure to implement EU rail legislation undermines the Single European Railway Area, jeopardising safety, competitiveness and growth of the rail sector. 

ERFA is concerned over recent developments on the French rail reform.

ERFA welcomes the progress made in the Transport Council on the Market Pillar of the 4th Railway Package, and gives its strong support to the Latvian Presidency for its commitment to keeping the package together.

ERFA congratulates the European Commission on its decision for taking Austria to court for failing to comply with EU rules on financial transparency.

ERFA congratulates its member Westbahn on winning the European Inter-city operator award at the European Rail Congress event.

ERFA today organised an event in the European Parliament, hosted by the new Chair of the Transport Committee, Michael Cramer MEP. ERFA members outlined to MEPs the added value of new entrants on the rail market. ERFA asked for changes to the regulatory environment, which currently hinders and even pushes off  new entrants on the rail market.