EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESENTS DRAFT REPORT ON RAIL CAPACITY REGULATION
In July 2023, the Commission tabled a package of proposals for the greening of freight transport. Among the three proposals is one on improving the use of rail infrastructure capacity. The proposed text includes changes to the rules on the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity, currently covered by Directive 2012/34/EU and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010.
The aim of the changes is to allow rail infrastructure capacity and traffic to be managed more efficiently, thereby improving the quality of services and optimising the use of the railway network, accommodating larger volumes of traffic and ensuring that the transport sector contributes to decarbonisation.
On 17 November, the rapporteur for the Railway Capacity Regulation, Ms. Tilly Metz, presented her draft report at the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament.
CLECAT welcomes the draft report as it strengthens the role of infrastructure users, introduces a clearer governance structure and a more ambitious implementation plan.
The draft report introduces a clear separation of powers, with greater powers granted to ENRRB (European network of Rail Regulatory Bodies), which allows for independent oversight into how ENIM functions. The draft report makes clear that IMs are required to provide alternative capacity outside of capacity supply plans, thereby ensuring greater flexibility is required from IMs to cover market needs. Finally, the report ensures some tighter timelines on implementation of key pillars under the proposed Regulation, such as multi-network capacity rights. This will allow the Regulation to support improving the reliability of rail freight services in the short term.