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European Rail Sector Embraces Letta's Vision for a Strengthened Single Market

European Rail Sector Embraces Letta's Vision for a Strengthened Single Market
photo: UIRR / Public domain/Railway tracks
22 / 04 / 2024

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has expressed strong support for the recent report by former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, titled 'Much more than a market. Speed Security, Solidarity. Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU Citizens.'

Commissioned by the European Council to evaluate and propose enhancements for the EU Single Market, Letta's report highlights critical areas for development that resonate with the rail sector's priorities. These include scaling up the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to better facilitate public and private investment and strengthening the intermodal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to ensure efficient, continent-wide mobility.

We welcome very much this Report and hope it will be one of the main sources of inspiration for future EU policy making," says CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola"The Report backs the calls put forward in the CER manifesto On Track for Europe, from the role of high-speed rail connecting European capitals and major urban hubs to the need for a fast deployment of ERTMS and DAC, especially but not exclusively for rail freight transport.

Letta's findings underscore the potential of high-speed rail networks in linking European capitals and major urban centers, which could boost sustainable transport options across the continent. The report mentions the necessity of embracing key railway technologies such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) for freight services, and Digital Capacity Management (DCM). These technologies are essential for enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of rail services.

Moreover, Letta advocates for governance to oversee the deployment of these technologies, alongside improvements in rail ticketing systems, including advancements like the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM) which facilitates seamless travel and service integration across the European rail network.

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