The French initiative signals a positive step forwards in terms of modal shift and support for the rail freight sector. More still needs to be done to address critical quality issues on the French rail market. In line with newly adopted EU rules on access to rail facilities it is essential that non-discriminatory and transparent access for all refurbished sidings be granted to all operators.

Rail freight companies set out their priorities following the Rastatt disaster: Infrastructure managers must take responsibility for developing one standard infrastructure if rail is to be competitive with road. Full liability for the financial damages caused by Rastatt must also be settled by DB Netz in the short term. The lost customer confidence in rail as a reliable partner in the supply chain must be regained

The unfriendly business environment for rail freight and weak state of the industry were the key themes at a meeting of private rail freight companies, as ERFA held its annual strategy workshop in Brussels this week.

The adoption of new EU rules to improve the coordination of infrastructure works is a positive step forward for rail's competitiveness. Improved rail performance is essential to make rail more customer-friendly and to encourage a shift of goods from road to rail. ERFA urges infrastructure managers to ensure the success of the new framework for organising infrastructure works!  

ERFA welcomes the European Court of Auditors' ERTMS report, stating that ERTMS has not been properly planned, deployed and managed, and that the individual business case for the parties involved have not been considered. The lack of a business case for today's railway undertakings, who will face the costs, but very little of the benefits of ERTMS, should be addressed as a priority.

This unprecedented case of anti-competitive behaviour jeopardised efforts to shift more goods onto rail and to build a more competitive rail sector. ERFA underlines the need for greater efforts on the part of Member States to support a competitive European rail sector We also encourage the European Commission to pursue without delay other anti-competitive cases in the rail sector.

New legislation, adopted yesterday, paves the way for basic provisions to root out anti-competitive practices and to strengthen the role of the rail facilities market in boosting rail?s growth. The role of rail regulators in supporting a competitive facilities market will be crucial.

ERFA highlights the impact of a series of infrastructure works heavily damaging rail's reputation as a serious alternative to road transport. Reverse modal shift as customers forced to put goods back onto the road: negative impact on the environment, road congestion and safety during the busy summer period Risk to rail of losing customers due to inconsistency of services and lack of reliability

ERFA highlights two important deadlines in July concerning the removal of more than 11 000 national rules and the right of rail regulators to scrutinise how the costs are calculated and to check whether railway undertakings are paying too much.

ERFA welcomes the judgement of the European Court of Justice and the decision of the Dutch Regulatory Body (ACM) as two important steps forward towards a competitive rail market in Europe.

ERFA welcomes the European Commission’s Mobility Package as an important opportunity to foster a more competitive, cleaner and safer transport system. It is an important step forward in creating the right price signals and conditions for customers to choose the most sustainable modes of transport.

The EU is proposing new rules to create a more customer-orientated rail network, taking important steps forward to improve the reliability and quality of rail services. The changes aim at minimising disruptions to rail services when infrastructure works are being carried out and at creating a more dynamic and flexible timetable process for reserving capacity.