The raison d’être of ScanMed RFC is to contribute to the creation of a competitive European rail freight network. As an international market-oriented Corridor firmly supporting European market liberalisation, we are therefore pleased – and perhaps hardly surprised – to read the findings of a recent study released by the European Commission which, in a nutshell, highlights the benefits of competition in both passenger and freight rail services.
Based on an analysis of the Croatian, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Swedish rail markets as well as on the case studies of RFC Rhine-Alpine, RFC North Sea-Med, and RFC Mediterranean, the report shows that increased EU-wide competition has led to significant reductions in ticket prices for rail passenger and in freight transport costs, with efficiency gains visible across all aspects.
For freight, this generally translated into:
- Stable or lower prices
- Higher service quality and reliability
- Stable or higher demand
- Higher market share of non-incumbents
- Vertical integration
- Increased RU cost efficiency
Naturally, there is still a long way to go. Infrastructure requires further investment and enhanced interoperability, digitalisation, timetabling services, and traffic management. However, fret not: we are working to make these much-needed improvements a reality. Through international cooperation in the RFC, IMs, RUs, terminals and other key rail stakeholders can strengthen competition across the European market. Our history and work are proof of it.
To download the study (available in English, French, and German), click here.
