Latest updates
5/9/2023 - Joint Press Release - Revision of Train Drivers Directive Essential to Growing International Rail Traffic
International railway transportation experiences significant operational barriers compared to road and aviation through stringent language requirements which hinder the development of international travel. Whilst it is not appropriate to make like for like comparisons with other modes, or call for a copy and paste of systems, significant changes to existing requirements are needed to facilitate the growth of international rail transportation.
5/9/2023 - Joint Press Release - The Greening Freight Transport Package should be kept together
CER, ERFA and UIRR call on the European Parliament and the European Council to maintain the package approach when considering the legislative proposals in the "Greening Freight Transport Package" (GFTP) tabled by the European Commission on 11 July. The amendment of the Weights and Dimensions Directive (WDD) should not be considered on its own merit without seeing the Combined Transport Directive (CTD) amendment proposal. The new CountEmissionEU Regulation is a similarly closely linked part of the GFTP.
1/9/2023 - Press Release - Greater Ambition Needed on Commission Proposal on Railway Infrastructure Capacity in SERA
On 11 July, the European Commission presented its proposal for a Regulation on Railway Infrastructure Capacity in the Single European Railway Area (SERA). ERFA appreciates the general objectives of the Regulation but believes significant improvements are needed if the Regulation is to have a real and tangible impact on growing rail freight volumes. The proposal as tabled by the European Commission will most likely only lead to minor improvements in rail freight services and not before 2030.
11/7/2023 - Press Release - Greening Transport Package Must be Priority for European Parliament and Council
On 11 July, the European Commission unveiled its long awaiting Greening Transport Package. With less than one year to go before European elections, it is essential that the European Parliament and Council work on this package as a matter of urgency. The adoption of these proposals, in a way that meets the needs of rail freight, will have a major bearing on Europe?s ability to increase rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030 and doubling volumes by 2050 - a goal set out in the European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy - and Europe's subsequent ability to reduce freight transport emissions.