Shippers would like to see rail transport as a real alternative to road transport. The European rail market offers an important link for the transport of goods from the European ports to the hinterland. It is an efficient and sustainable transport with low CO2 emissions and a high level of safety.
While recognising the progress made by the European Commission on important rail corridors (Rhine - Alpine, North Sea – Mediterranean, and North Sea – Baltic) and especially agreements on collaboration of rail managers in the event of a disaster (Rhine - Alpine corridor), further collaboration and harmonisation are required to increase reliability and flexibility of rail transport. The document outlines the challenges that the European rail market has to overcome.
The document can be downloaded here.