Rail policy & legislation news
Latest news about railway industry policy, reform, restructuring, planning, law, legislation and regulation worldwide.
Questions remain for the rail sector in English devolution plans
UK: The rail sector has welcomed the outline plans for local politicians to have greater control of passenger rail services which are set out in the government’s white paper on devolution in England, but questions remain about the future scope and structure.
Comment: A waning appetite for competition
While the EU’s third and fourth railway packages sought to liberalise the passenger rail sector within the bloc and influence it beyond, the establishment of a competitive dynamic within the European market seems less assured than it has for some time, argues Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
DB Cargo state aid approved
GERMANY: The European Commission has concluded that Germany’s provision of €1·9bn to support the national railway’s freight business DB Cargo is in line with EU state aid rules.
Portugal’s Green Rail Pass scheme proves popular with younger travellers
PORTUGAL: The national rail discount pass launched by the government on October 21 has seen strong uptake in the first month.
Legal changes aim to streamline Californian rail electrification projects
USA: The Governor of California has signed legislation designed to accelerate electrification by exempting zero-emission railway projects on existing lines from requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, which can lead to legal delays.
‘Turning point’ reached for potential new Channel Tunnel train operators
EUROPE: The rail industry has finally reached a ‘turning point’ which will facilitate the launch of new international passenger train operators competing with Eurostar on routes to the UK.
Report calls for harmonisation of standards across Australia’s 29 rail networks
Interview: Putting ERA at the heart of Europe’s railway ecosystem
Rail Minister Hendy strikes conciliatory tone as he backs ‘fresh start’ for UK rail
Interview: ČD sees fleet renewal opportunity despite ‘tedious’ approval task
North Macedonia reverses rail market opening to save national operator
Interview: ‘No limit’ on the potential of French high speed market
‘Railway Erasmus’ scheme proposed to tackle the sector’s skills shortage
Network Rail to be abolished under rail reforms as Haigh rejects ‘BR reboot’
State railways fined for colluding against open access operator
Interview: SBB’s Ducrot prioritises co-operation over competition
Viewpoint: Do not rush UK rail reform
Saudi Arabia Railways says its 2035 vision offers ‘excellent investment opportunities’
Comment: Rail must respond to Draghi’s challenge
Rail competition works, says European Commission report
State aid should be limited and targeted, says European Rail Freight Association
French railway enhancements needed to support European freight modal shift
Passion and technology will support the future of rail, says Germany’s Transport Minister
Train2InnoTrans highlights the need for cross-border co-operation