Newsletters

On 4 March, the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee of the European Parliament adopted its report on the Commission proposal 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 and increase punctuality and reliability. Rail Capacity Regulation. The Parliament’s position aims for a more optimal use of the rail tracks and increase punctuality and reliability.

Transport MEPs agreed to give more powers to European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM) to coordinate cross-border capacity and traffic, as currently uncoordinated maintenance works and lack of cooperation between different infrastructure managers result to congestions and delays at borders.

They support the division of the railway infrastructure capacity planning into three stages: strategic planning (each five years), scheduling (annually) and adaptation. MEPs also suggest to set up a European Railway Platform consisting of railway undertakings, which would bring in operators, ports or rail-related service owners’ view in capacity planning and distribution.

MEPs supported for the deployment of different digital tools, including display of capacity plans and digital reporting of incidents, scheduled to be deployed from mid-2025 to end of 2030 to ensure that traffic management is faster and more effective. The Report underscores the need for Member States to prevent rail infrastructure from degrading and ensure adequate, stable and timely funding.

CLECAT has welcomed the European Commission proposal but considers that the European Parliament has further improved the proposal, in particular with regards to the user consultation and regulatory oversight.

The report is set to be adopted during the plenary session on Tuesday, 12 March, in Strasbourg.

Source: European Parliament