EP VOTE TO UPGRADE RAILWAY CAPACITY COORDINATION TO EU LEVEL TO AVOID DELAYS & INCREASE RELIABILITY
On Tuesday 12th March, MEPs adopted their position on new rules
setting the conditions on the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure
capacity in the EU. The aim is to allow for more optimal use of the rail
tracks, increase punctuality and reliability, thus also helping to reduce
transport-related emissions.
The proposed rules define conditions for planning and allocating railway infrastructure capacity within the EU. The overall objective is to enhance the efficiency and reliability of railway infrastructure while ensuring optimal utilization of rail tracks and supporting the broader goal of reducing transport-related emissions.
MEPs were alarmed that between 1990 and 2021 the EU railway network shrank over 12 000 km, hindering the EU's shift-to-rail objective. They want to commit EU countries to prevent the degrading of rail infrastructure and ensure adequate, stable and timely funding. EU governments and infrastructure managers should sign at least five years investments agreements helping to maintain, renew and develop rail infrastructure.
MEPs support the division of the railway infrastructure capacity planning into three stages: strategic planning (each five years), scheduling (annually) and adaptation. Additionally, the establishment of a European Railway Platform aims to engage stakeholders in capacity planning. The draft rules grant more powers to the European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM) to coordinate cross-border capacity and traffic. MEPs also support measures requiring infrastructure managers to monitor and benchmark rail infrastructure and transport services performance, ensuring alignment with EU targets, including modal shift to rail. Moreover, the deployment or digital tools for traffic management, scheduled between mid-2025 and end of 2030, is emphasized.
The draft rules on the use of railway infrastructure capacity were adopted by 565 votes to 14 and 37 abstentions, constituting Parliament’s position at first reading. The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June.
Source: European Parliament