15 January 2010

International rail passenger transport market open as from 2010

The opening of the international rail passenger transport market became effective on 1st January 2010.

European companies will now have the right to access the infrastructures of other Member States. According to Antonio Tajani, the Vice-President of the European Commission for Transport this will allow them to offer travellers innovative services which are cheaper and more focused on their needs; this will contribute to the creation of an integrated European area of rail transport. Member States will, under certain conditions, however have the right to limit access rights to routes covered by public services, and request a fee to compensate for the cost of public service contracts.

(Source: Schuhmann letter)