CER has welcomed a new EU regulation aimed at increasing railway network capacity and improving rail service coordination across Europe.
Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies has welcomed approval of a new European Union regulation designed to modernise railway infrastructure capacity management and support additional rail services across Europe.
The regulation was formally adopted by the European Parliament and is expected to improve how rail capacity is planned, coordinated and managed across national borders.
New EU framework aims to improve rail capacity and reliability
According to CER, the legislation introduces a more digital, long term and European wide approach to railway capacity management, helping reduce inefficiencies while improving punctuality and reliability.
One of the key elements of the regulation is the creation of the European Network of Infrastructure Managers, known as ENIM.
The new platform will bring together senior representatives from infrastructure managers and allocation bodies to coordinate long term planning, cross border rail traffic, disruption management and performance reviews.
The regulation also establishes the European Railway Platform, a consultative body bringing together railway undertakings, operational stakeholders and service facility operators to provide input into planning processes.
CER stated that the legislation could help unlock up to four per cent additional network capacity across Europe, equivalent to almost 250 million train kilometres.
Alberto Mazzola said: “The Capacity Regulation is a key milestone for the rail sector to make existing capacity more efficient and increase it by 4%.”
Preparatory work is already underway ahead of implementation of the first rail timetable operating under the new framework during 2031.
CER also called for progressive implementation of elements of the regulation before the full launch date in order to accelerate improvements to passenger and freight rail services.
The organisation said the new framework would support Europe’s wider sustainability objectives by helping shift more transport activity towards energy efficient rail operations.
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