Press Release
Council of Ministers Decision on Rail Competition
- A good start say customers
10 December 1999
The European Shippers' Council welcomes the political agreement that has been reached today by Transport Ministers on the opening up of the EU rail freight market. It believes that the network of international routes, feeder connections and ports identified in the Trans-European Rail Freight Network will go a long way to delivering competition to international rail freight services, provided that access is available to all operators on a fair and equitable basis.
Sarah Crockford, who is responsible for rail freight policy at ESC, said:
"We believe that once the new legislation is in place rail freight shippers and end users will start to see the benefits of competition in the rail freight market. However, ESC warns that allowing competition on the designated Trans-European Rail Freight Network will only result in benefits to industry if the processes for licensing operators, and allocating and charging for infrastructure are seen to been absolutely fair. If responsibilities for these activities are perceived as having the potential to lead to a conflict of interest potential new applicants and investors in European rail freight will be deterred.
"We also want to see the European Commission, Parliament and national governments allow wider sharing of the benefits of increased competition and resulting commercial awareness among the railways. We look to the EU institutions to present a plan for the full liberalisation of rail in the EU, including domestic services, as soon as possible." She added, "Effective opening up of the rail freight market in Europe needs to happen in partnership with all industry parties, ESC takes this opportunity of expressing its willingness to be involved in this process."
For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113
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