ERFA is happy to welcome the Spanish Private Railway Companies Association (Asociación de Empresas Feroviarias Privadas – AEFP) as its newest full member. The arrival of AEFP reinforces the geographical coverage of ERFA in South-West Europe and its ability to represent both individual companies and national associations.
The AEFP brings together 16 railway companies that have 68% of the railway market share in Spain. Since its creation in 2002, the association has promoted a liberalised railway freight market and competition.
ERFA President, Maciej G?adyga, stated, “At a time when crucial decisions for the future of European rail transport are being made in Brussels, it is more important than ever for national associations to join forces and ensure their voice is heard through a strong European organisation. The diversity of our membership and our broad representation across EU Member States have always been at the heart of ERFA’s strength. AEFP’s accession further reinforces ERFA’s position as the leading voice of competitive rail operators and their representative organisations at the European level.”
ERFA Secretary General, Maria Price, added: “I am very pleased to welcome AEFP to the ERFA family. AEFP represents an important sector and geographic region of Europe and already has a critical role in advocacy and discussions with the Spanish government and regional authorities. Together we can bring greater awareness of the challenges we face, build strong positions, and contribute to common solutions and sound policies. Today more than ever, rail freight needs a stronger voice in Europe.”
AEFP Executive President, Juan Diego Pedredo, concluded: “AEFP is pleased to join ERFA. We fully support the mission, objectives and commitment of ERFA and its current members. ERFA is a natural prolongation at EU level to our advocacy activities for the same segment of the rail freight market in Spain. As a new member, we can contribute and support from within the goals, the work and the aspirations of ERFA.”
