Latest updates
23/5/2023 - Press Release - Modal Shift Requires Joint Commitment of Railway Undertakings, Infrastructure Managers and Policy Makers
On 23 May, ERFA held an event on the need to find a better balance between extensive works on the European railway network and ensuring a sufficient quantity and quality of capacity remains available for rail freight. It is a critical topic as without upgrading the network, it will not be possible to double rail freight by 2050, whereas without a focus on short-term capacity management, it will not be possible to increase rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030.
23/5/2023 - ERFA Event - Finding the Right Track: Navigating Infrastructure Development and Growing Rail Freight in Europe
The European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy sets out two growth targets for rail freight; grow rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030 and double rail freight volumes by 2050. In order to meet 2030 targets, there needs to be a sufficient quantity and quality of rail infrastructure capacity made available and coordinated internationally. In order to meet the 2050 targets, extensive infrastructure works are required to modernise the network. The event will focus on how to create a framework which was allow for both of these objectives to be achievable.
17/5/2023 - Press Release - Trialogue Agreement on TEN-T must reflect Rail Freight Growth Targets
The European Union has established a target of growing rail freight by 50% by 2030 and doubling volumes by 2050. To double volumes by 2050, it will be essential that a long-term and ambitious infrastructure development strategy is agreed upon during the TEN-T trialogue negotiations between the European Commission, European Parliament and European Council. ERFA, representing private and independent rail freight companies, has established a position outlining the key deliverables which should be secured.
18/4/2023 - Press Release - Challengers Account for Majority of Rail Freight Market for First Time
As of 2021, challengers to national incumbents now account for a majority of the European rail freight market, with a market share of 51%. In 2010, the market share of challengers was still at 25% and incumbents were dominating the market. This achievement reflects the success of opening national rail freight markets to competition and highlights the need to ensure European legislation is adapted to meet the needs of new entrants.