Schienen-Control new EU initiative on capacity utilization

In July 2023, the European Commission presented its proposal for a regulation to reorganize the use of track capacity as part of the "Greening Freight Package." Maria-Theresia Röhsler, Managing Director of Schienen-Control the initiative and emphasizesthat"non-discriminatory access to rail infrastructure is crucial to creating a successful single European railway area."

The regulation currently being negotiated by the European Parliament and the European Council affects both domestic and cross-border transport. It aims to bring about a paradigm shift, moving the focus away from exclusively demand-driven train path allocation towards capacity management that also includes elements of planning.

The aim is to make more efficient use of existing capacity. Passenger transport should order train paths even earlier and be allocated them on a fixed basis so that tickets can be sold earlier – similar to the system used by airlines. On the other hand, attractive train paths should also be available to freight transport at a relatively late stage.

For Schienen-Control , the proposed reform, which is essentially based on the Timetable Redesign for Smart Capacity Management (TTR) project, Schienen-Control a sensible initiative to increase efficiency in rail transport. The planned introduction of infrastructure capacity allocation and distribution based on socioeconomic and environmental criteria also underscores the desire to make rail transport even more sustainable.

"A number of details still need to be revised," says Maria-Theresia Röhsler, identifying necessary improvements before the regulation can come into force. In particular, the regulatory authority believes that clear control mechanisms are lacking for the newly established European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM). This network is to be given extensive powers in shaping the new capacity utilization. Schienen-Control , together with IRG-Rail, the association of European regulatory authorities, Schienen-Control the need for independent regulatory oversight of ENIM activities in order to ensure non-discriminatory access to rail infrastructure across Europe. The participation of railway companies in all phases of capacity planning is also crucial to ensuring non-discrimination and transparency.