ESC: Europe needs rail sector liberalisation ahead of EC policy package

THE European Shippers Council (ESC) says it welcomes a decision by the European Commission to issue its proposed Fourth Railway Package to deal with regulatory deficiencies and market barriers.

"Thousands of companies are awaiting the Single Market Act II policy package to address all pending issues previously announced, in particular with the reference to governance," said Laurie d'Hont, policy manager Rail Transport Council (RTC) in a statement issued by the ESC.

The RTC said the policy package should "reinforce the governance of the infrastructure management to optimise the use of existing infrastructure with better allocation of capacity, planning of maintenance and development works.

"This, together with a new common approach to safety and interoperability rules, will help ensure that non-discriminatory access is guaranteed so that a genuine level playing field is in place," she said.

The ESC representative stressed that it is of the "utmost importance that a solution to this issue is found, as it will generate the required trust of private businesses to use and invest further in this transport mode.

"Only a fully-fledged infrastructure manager can operate efficient corridors where the needs of international traffic take precedence over national passage and where uniform business conditions prevail," said Ms d'Hont.

The ESC is also calling on the European institutions and member states to honour their commitment towards the general public and publish the policy package as originally intended, without compromise or delay.

"Re-regulation, increased competition and a renewed interest in rail from both shippers and passengers, mean that rail companies should be looking to reduce costs and expand their market share across all geographical areas," the ESC statement said.

"It is known that European businesses and consumers continue to pay unnecessarily high prices stemming from monopolistic, inefficient, and nationally fragmented rail services," the statement said.