'Many obstacles' remain for rail sector

Transport commissioner Jacques Barrot has admitted that “more needs to be done” in developing a “truly” integrated EU rail sector.

Speaking on Wednesday, the French official hailed the recent agreement between parliament and member states on the third railway package.

He said the deal means international traffic of passengers will be open to competition in 2010.

“Passengers will enjoy enhanced consumer rights and train drivers will be able to work more easily across the EU,” said, a commission vice president.

“I consider this a major breakthrough on our way towards a truly integrated market for both freight and passengers,” said Barrot.

He added, “However, we all know that more needs to be done.  Growth rates of the railway sector could be higher, notably in the freight segment and many obstacles still hinder the development of a truly integrated EU railway system and market.”

Barrot, speaking in parliament at an event marking the fifth anniversary of the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), said “further progress” was being made towards this goal.

“A number of initiatives aimed at pushing the rail sector forward are currently in preparation, including a proposal on the mutual recognition of rolling stock and a plan for a rail freight oriented network.”

New guidelines on state aid in the rail sector and a “new approach” to rail noise abatement are among other measures, he said.

“Our objectives have not fundamentally changed since the adoption of the first European directive on rail,” he said.

“I continue to believe that we can reach our objectives.”

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